Victoria records 21 Covid deaths and 9908 new cases

Victoria has recorded another 21 Covid-related deaths and thousands of new infections as tensions boil over Daniel Andrews putting travellers on notice.

Another 21 people have died with Covid-19 in Victoria while the state reported another 9908 new infections overnight.

The new figures come as political leaders butt heads over rules for international travellers when the borders reopen later this month.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday said international travellers wanting to visit Victoria would need to be triple-dosed or face being locked out of life in the state.

“As far as those who get into the country, and the circumstances in which they get into the country, I think we’ve well established (third dose protocols),” he said.

Mr Andrews said any additional mandates would “apply here in the state of Victoria.”

This comes despite Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealing on Monday that people visiting from overseas would only need two doses.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Covid infections have plateaued in Victoria in recent weeks, with cases expected to fluctuate after students returned to school.

The state reported 542 people in hospital on Wednesday, with 71 in intensive care and 27 on a ventilator. Those figures have also remained steady despite the state remaining largely open.

The government has ramped up testing within schools and early education facilities and this week announced rapid antigen tests would be free for the families of young children.

Mr Andrews said it would give parents peace of mind.

“It is wildly infectious, young people can have it and not present with any symptoms, (but) if you can find those cases, then you can do something about it and cut off those chains of transmission,” he said.

Originally published as Victoria records 21 Covid deaths and 9908 new cases