Coronavirus update for Victoria – 27 July 2021

Victoria was notified of 10 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday.

All were locally acquired cases linked to the recent interstate incursions of COVID-19.

There are 198 active cases in Victoria – 188 locally acquired and 10 overseas acquired cases.

There are seven COVID-19 cases in hospital in Victoria. Two cases are in intensive care (including one case on a ventilator).

The total number of confirmed cases in Victoria since the beginning of the pandemic is 20,924.

Update: Current restrictions

Restrictions will be eased at 11.59pm tonight. For more information, see the Victorian Government’s statement: Lockdown lifted across Victoria.

Outbreaks

Of the 10 new locally acquired cases:

All have been linked to the current outbreaks and all were in quarantine for the entirety of their infectious period.

Two are linked to Ms Frankie’s – they are patrons who dined on July 13 and 15.

Two are linked to Trinity Grammar School – both are household contacts of an existing case.

One is a household contacts linked to St Patrick’s Primary.

Three are linked to AAMI Park – 2 patrons and 1 household contact of a case

One is a household contact linked to the Coolaroo outbreak.

And one is a household contact linked to Young and Jacksons.

There are currently approximately 20,000 active Primary Close Contacts identified by the Department.

More than 7000 primary close contacts have been cleared.

The Department reminds Primary Close Contacts that a negative Day 13 test result is a requirement to obtain clearance from quarantine.

Clearance is formally provided by the Department in writing (usually email) following a phone call.

A number of Tier 2 exposure sites have been published online today, relating to 15 July.

This follows a review of the likely infectious periods of cases announced today, who entered quarantine on the night of 15 July.

Based on development of symptoms and timing of earlier test results, public health teams consider it unlikely that these cases were infectious on 15 July – but are publishing exposure sites out of an abundance of caution and ask the public to follow the relevant health advice.

Exposure sites are published at Case alerts - public exposure sites.

The Department regularly manages exposure sites that it doesn’t publish online, particularly if these sites represent lower-risk exposures, or if they have comprehensive record-keeping and contact tracing measures, or if they identify small, private locations.

We continue to ask every Victorian to check exposure sites regularly, as they are subject to change based on follow-up interviews and further investigation.

Update: Victorian Travel Permit Changes

The City of Wagga Wagga, Hay Shire Council, Lockhart Shire Council and Murrumbidgee Council will no longer be included in the cross-border bubble.

These local government areas will be included under the Extreme Risk Zone from 11:59pm tonight, in line with the rest of NSW, and residents will need a Specified Worker Permit, transit permit, or an exemption to enter Victoria.

See more about Victoria's travel permit system at Victorian travel permit system.

Update: Vaccinations

Yesterday, 15,677 vaccine doses were administered by Victoria’s state-commissioned services.

The total number of doses administered through these services is 1,553,105.

Every week, more appointments are being opened up at state clinics across Victoria and people who are eligible to be vaccinated are encouraged to plan ahead and book as soon as they can.

There are now 50 open access vaccination centres operating across Victoria, including the 50^th hub at Bayside Shopping Centre in Frankston. In the coming weeks and months there will be more pop-up community vaccination clinics in operation.

Victoria’s online booking system is now live at Book your vaccine appointment or you can ring the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

Information about Victoria’s vaccination centres can be found at Vaccination centres.

Update: Testing

A total of 24,340 tests were processed in Victoria yesterday.

More than 580,000 tests have been processed since the start of the outbreak.

In response to the current cases in Victoria, extended operating hours have been introduced at multiple testing sites.

Special Day 13 testing arrangements are being established to support thousands of Primary Close Contacts linked to school settings.

This will include priority access at major testing centres.

Local public health units will communicate these arrangements directly with school communities.

See new and extended testing sites, where to get tested and expected wait times at Where to get tested.

Update: Advice for household contacts of a Primary Close Contact

Information is available online for people who are household contacts of a Primary Close Contact.

View more at What to do if you're a close contact.

General advice

COVID-19 symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath and loss or change in sense of smell or taste. If you are experiencing symptoms, wear a fitted face mask when you get tested.

For more information call the 24-hour Coronavirus Hotline at 1800 675 398 or visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria.

Latest statewide numbers (data reported to 11:59pm yesterday):