Victoria records 1232 Covid cases and nine deaths

Victoria has recorded 1232 Covid cases and nine deaths as concerns about the Omicron variant grow.

Another 1232 Covid cases have been recorded in Victoria overnight and nine more people have died with the virus.

The new figures came from more than 70,000 tests.

Victoria’s health department also confirmed 315 people were in hospital, with 52 of those in intensive care, including 27 on a ventilator.

The new figures came after Victorian health authorities on Wednesday revealed the state recorded its first case of the Omicron variant.

“Following whole genomic sequencing, the case in hotel quarantine reported yesterday has been confirmed as having the Omicron variant,” the department said.

We thank everyone who got vaccinated and tested yesterday.

Our thoughts are with those in hospital, and the families of people who have lost their lives.

More data soon: https://t.co/OCCFTAtS1P#COVID19Vic#COVID19VicDatapic.twitter.com/f5ZSOoEciX

— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) December 8, 2021

Concerns are also growing over two additional “likely” Omicron cases recently detected in the Victorian community.

“Two cases have returned results with S gene dropout – a signature of the Omicron variant,” the department said.

“None of these cases are linked to international travel and their source of acquisition is under investigation.”

The two suspected cases are located in the outer Melbourne cities of Casey and Brimbank.

Household contacts of these cases have also tested positive and whole genome sequencing is under way to confirm whether they also represent the Omicron variant.

Originally published as Victoria records 1232 Covid cases and nine deaths