Victoria records 535 new local Covid-19 cases, one new death

Victoria has announced 535 locally acquired cases as police lock down the Melbourne CBD in readiness for an anti-lockdown rally.

Victoria recorded 535 new cases of Covid-19 and one person died with the virus on Friday, health authorities announced.

The tally brings the state’s number of active cases to 4,974.

Of the new infections, contact tracers have been able to link just 62 to known sources.

More than 45,500 Victorians were vaccinated at state run clinics yesterday.

Reported yesterday: 535 new local cases and 0 cases acquired overseas.
- 45,537 vaccines administered
- 61,622 test results received
- Sadly, 1 person with COVID-19 has died

More later: https://t.co/eUcG50Y3T0#COVID19Vic#COVID19VicData [1/2] pic.twitter.com/85OfKkUeYl

— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) September 17, 2021

It comes as Victoria Police braces for an expected anti-lockdown protest set to take place in Melbourne’s CBD on Saturday.

Roadblocks and barricades have been put in place, while public transport routes will terminate before reaching the city between 8am and 2pm to prevent protesters gathering in breach of public health orders.

About 2000 police officers are expected to be deployed to the CBD, with Chief Commissioner Shane Patton declaring on Wednesday “we’ll do everything we can to prevent access to the city”.

Originally published as Victoria records 535 new local Covid-19 cases, one new death