Fresh blow as Victoria set to miss key target as state records 847 new cases

Victoria has recorded 847 new local infections as the state looks set to miss one of its key road map targets.

Victorian health authorities are “closely watching” a rise of Covid-19 infections in regional areas as the state posts a record 847 new infections on Saturday.

A man in his 80s from the local government area of Moreland was the latest Victorian to die from the virus.

Victorian health Minister Martin Foley said officials were closely watching regional Victoria as the number of cases “steadily but slowly rises”.

He said Chief Health Officer professor Brett Sutton would review the lockdowns in Mitchell Shire and greater Geelong, with restrictions up for review in both those areas.

Victorian health authorities are closely watching a rise of Covid-19 infections in regional areas. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

But Mr Foley had good news for the Surf Coast, announcing the end to the lockdown in the region southwest of Victoria at 11.59pm on Sunday.

“The chief health officer has advised that given the really good efforts that we've seen in Surf Coast that they will definitely be coming out of lockdown,” he told reporters on Saturday afternoon.

“In regards to Greater Geelong, things are looking relatively positive. There are still a couple of investigations and data being run down with the local public health unit, but there are still some cases there.”

There were three new cases in the greater Geelong area on Saturday – two were known contacts and one was under investigation.

There were seven new cases in Mitchell Shire, just outside Melbourne’s northern fringe.

“Considering the larger number of cases in that regional shire, and given its immediate proximity to the northern suburbs of Melbourne and the number of incursions crossing that metro regional divide, the prospects of Mitchell Shire continuing to grow in numbers is one that we need to forecast,” Mr Foley said.

A total of 59,342 Covid-19 tests were processed in the past 24 hours.

Victoria missed one of its key road map targets, with not enough residents getting the jab.

Under the lockdown exit road map plan, released last week, a minor easing of restrictions was due to come into effect on Sunday if 80 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and older had received their first vaccine dose.

As of Saturday, 76.3 per cent of the state’s population have received their first dose, while 46.57 were double dosed.

Victorian health Minister Martin Foley fronts the media after the state’s record of 847 daily cases on Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

Instead, the target would more likely be reached later next week.

Once the target is reached, Melbourne’s 10km travel limit will be increased to 15km and outdoor recreation, including golf, tennis and basketball, will be allowed, subject to caps.

Personal training will also be allowed for five vaccinated people outside.

In regional Victoria masks will be allowed to be removed for hairdressing and beauty appointments and on-site learning will resume for final year VCAL students.

Originally published as Fresh blow as Victoria set to miss key target as state records 847 new cases