Victoria records 1510 new coronavirus cases, seven more deaths

Victoria has recorded 1510 new Covid-19 cases as health officials link more infections to two popular nightclubs.

Victoria recorded 1510 new Covid-19 cases and seven more deaths in the past 24 hours.

On Thursday the state recorded its highest number of daily infections since the state posted 1612 cases on October 11.

State officials have backtracked on a major Covid restriction, keeping masks mandatory in all retail settings from Thursday.

The state government went back on the promise on Wednesday over concerns the new Omicron variant was spreading rapidly in the community.

Face masks will no longer be required at weddings, funerals or ceremonial settings.

More than 700 people were ordered into quarantine after officials confirmed an Omicron case visited two popular Melbourne nightclubs. Picture: Daniel Pockett

Health Minister Martin Foley said the government needed to gather more information about the new variant before considering further changes to restrictions, particularly the mask requirements.

“Omicron has changed the landscape,” he said.

“Everything is, of course subject, to epidemiological conditions at the time, while we figure out exactly the best and rigorous advice, we just need to tread carefully and cautiously.”

But Opposition Leader Matthew Guy says the government must “honour their deal with the Victorian public” on mask-wearing.

More than 700 people were ordered into quarantine after officials confirmed an Omicron case visited two popular Melbourne nightclubs.

A person with the strain visited Sircuit Bar in Fitzroy between 9pm and about midnight on Friday before heading to The Peel Hotel in Collingwood between 11.30pm and 3am.

The Department of Health is investigating seven confirmed Covid cases linked to the scare to see if any of the new cases has the new variant.

Originally published as Victoria records 1510 new coronavirus cases, seven more deaths