COVID 19 Weekly Data
There were 16,568 COVID-19 cases reported in Victoria this week, a decrease of 31.4 per cent on the previous week. The average daily number of new cases this week was 2,367, down from 3,463 last week.
The seven-day rolling average of patients with COVID in Victorian hospitals is 715. There are currently 745 COVID patients in Victorian hospitals, with 44 COVID patients in intensive care, including 5 cleared cases. There are 6 COVID patients on a ventilator. The seven-day rolling average of patients in intensive care in Victorian hospitals is 34.
In the past three months, 4,951 COVID patients were hospitalised in Victoria. Of those hospitalised, 41.2 per cent had not received their third vaccine dose and 30.4 per cent were unvaccinated.
Of Victorians aged 50 to 64 years, 80 per cent have had their third dose and 31.7 per cent have had their recommended fourth dose. Of those aged over 65, 90.8 per cent have had their third dose and 68.2 per cent have had their fourth dose. 70.4 per cent of people aged 16 and over have had three doses.
A total of 69 COVID-related deaths were reported to the Department in the past week. An average of 10 deaths were reported each day in the past week. There has been a 47.5 per cent increase in the number of daily COVID-related deaths in the past month when compared to the previous month. In the past three months, there have been 667 COVID-related deaths in Victoria. Of those deaths, 44.1 per cent were unvaccinated and 50.2 per cent had not received their third COVID vaccine dose.
The total number of reported COVID-related deaths in Victoria since the pandemic began is 6,382. The number of COVID-related deaths recorded in Victoria so far this year is 4,774.
COVID-19 epidemiological summary
Covid hospitalisations edged higher in the past week, having stabilised earlier in December. There were fewer cases reported but this was likely due to the impact of the holiday period.
The current Covid wave is being driven by multiple Omicron variants. The most recent wastewater analysis shows the recombinant strain XBF makes up the highest proportion of detections (29 per cent), followed by BQ.1/BQ.1.1 (18 per cent) and BA.2.75 and its sub-lineages (22 per cent). A group of variants that cannot be classified due to new mutations made up 21 per cent of wastewater detections. Separately, the BR.2.1 variant has shown rapid growth in sequenced case samples.
The genomic outlook is rapidly changing and is difficult to predict with evidence of newer subvariants, in particular XBF, outcompeting other subvariants over several weeks. This has contributed to hospitalisations, putting continued demand on the health system.
Social gatherings and events over the holiday period have added to the transmission risk. However, by taking the simple preventative steps outlined below, that risk can be reduced.
Safe gatherings over the holiday period
The risk of Covid infection can increase through large family and social gatherings. It is important to consider older family and friends and those who may be more vulnerable to severe Covid illness.
Plan ahead this summer and consider the following tips to ensure you can enjoy the festivities safely.
- Plan your party or family gathering outside when possible
- Get tested if you have symptoms or you’re going to a party or family gathering
- Keep homes well ventilated, with windows and doors open
- Wear a high-quality mask, especially where you can’t physically distance from others
- Isolate for at least five days and until you have no symptoms
- Check if you are eligible for Covid medicines
- Get your next vaccine dose
- Protecting yourself is the best way to protect you and the community – If you don’t get Covid, you can’t spread Covid
For more information on ways to protect yourself and others, visit the Coronavirus .
Updates to testing
Victoria’s remaining state-run PCR testing sites will close on 31 December 2022. Rapid antigen tests remain the primary tool for Covid detection, and a positive result enables access to antivirals for those eligible.
Individuals at high risk of severe illness or those symptomatic and eligible for antivirals who test negative on a RAT should see their primary care provider or a GP Respiratory Clinic to access PCR testing to ensure early detection and effective treatment.
Many local councils are offering free RATs to people with disability, people aged 70 and over and concession card holders. Preparations are underway to expand this service to all Victorians until June 2023.
Contact your local council to see if they are participating and for more information visit the Coronavirus .
Access to antivirals over the summer break
If you require a prescription for a Covid medicine and can’t get an appointment with a GP or a GP Respiratory Clinic over the holiday period, contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.
Early testing for Covid and diagnosis are essential to access Covid medicines. For most Covid medicine to work best, you must take it within five days of getting sick – the earlier the better.
Information on eligibility can be found at the Coronavirus .
Links and contacts
- your rapid antigen test result
- Find your nearest vaccination provider through the Vaccine Clinic
- Vaccination requirements for healthcare workers
- for Covid cases and contacts
- Information on antivirals and other to treat COVID-19
To access the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Victoria, visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.
Reviewed 30 December 2022