Victoria records 1923 COVID-19 cases and 25 deaths as Andrews defends pandemic laws

Twenty-five people have died with COVID-19 and Victoria has recorded 1923 COVID-19 cases as confusion reigned over a quirk in Victoria’s pandemic timeline allowing unvaccinated people to shop at non-essential retail stores when restrictions lift at 6pm on Friday.

The state government clarified on Wednesday unvaccinated Victorians would be allowed to shop for non-essential goods until the state hits its 90 per cent vaccination milestone, expected to happen on November 24.

But they would be locked out from the same stores once that target is met.

Non-essential retail will reopen from Friday.Credit:Louie Douvis

The confusion followed comments from Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday that those unvaccinated could still visit other people’s homes and shop for basics but would be barred from most other venues.

“Whether it’s a bookshop, a shoe shop, a pub, cafe, a restaurant, the MCG, the list goes on and on. You will not be able to participate like a fully vaccinated person because you’re not a fully vaccinated person,” he said.

He did not stipulate at the time whether vaccinations would be required to enter non-essential stores from Friday.

On Wednesday, Mr Andrews clarified there would be a transition period with the introduction of a vaccination requirement for non-essential retail. That time would allow people to get the jab.

Authorities are keeping a close eye on an ongoing outbreak in Albury-Wodonga, where hundreds of people have tested positive for the virus.

There were more than 440 infected patients being cared for by Albury Wodonga Health’s community consult clinic on Wednesday, seven in hospital.

The outbreak has put a significant strain on the border community’s testing capacity, with reports of people being turned away from clinics early on Wednesday morning.

More than 90 per cent of Victorians have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 77 per cent of those aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated.

There were 21,272 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine administered in Victoria on Wednesday at state-run hubs, while 82,648 test results were processed.

About half a million Victorians are yet to have the first dose of the vaccine, despite repeated calls from authorities to roll up their sleeves.

Childcare is expected to be the next frontline in the COVID-19 pandemic as adult vaccination rates rise and advocates are calling for a plan to handle outbreaks, keep services afloat and ensure children get the early learning they need after two disrupted years.

Children aged four and under make up about 6 per cent of the population, but they’ll account for 19 per cent of unvaccinated Australians once the nation reaches the 80 per cent vaccination benchmark.

Vaccination uptake is lagging among those aged in their 20s. About 83 per cent of people in that age bracket have had their first dose of the vaccine, compared to just under 92 per cent statewide.

with Jewel Topsfield, Cassandra Morgan and Katina Curtis.

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