There were 3,056 COVID-19 cases reported in Victoria this week, a decrease of 11.2 per cent on the previous week. The average daily number of new cases this week was 437, down from 492 last week.
The seven-day rolling average of patients with COVID in Victorian hospitals is 144. There are currently 121 COVID patients in Victorian hospitals, with 6 patients in intensive care, including 2 cleared cases. There are no COVID patients on a ventilator. The seven-day rolling average of patients in intensive care in Victorian hospitals is 7. In the past three months, 5,860 COVID patients were hospitalised in Victoria.
Of Victorians aged 50 to 64 years, 80.1 per cent have had their third dose and 32.3 per cent have had their recommended fourth dose. Of those aged over 65, 90.9 per cent have had their third dose and 68.5 per cent have had their fourth dose. 70.6 per cent of people aged 16 and over have had three doses.
A total of 70 COVID-related deaths were reported to the Department in the past week. An average of 10 deaths were reported each day in the past week. This represents a 51.1 per cent decrease when compared to the same period the previous month.
The total number of reported COVID-related deaths in Victoria since the pandemic began is 7,181.
COVID-19 epidemiological summary
There has been a continued decline in COVID cases and hospitalisations this week. The recent wave of transmission has been driven by a combination of waning immunity and multiple emerging Omicron variants.
The most recent wastewater analysis shows the recombinant strain XBF makes up the highest proportion of detections, accounting for approximately 46 per cent of total detections. BA.2.75 made up 24 per cent of detections, followed by BQ.1/BQ.1.1 with 8 per cent and 17 per cent were unable to be classified.
The Department continues to monitor for newly emerging variants and the potential for future waves of transmission.
RATs available through local councils
All Victorians are eligible to pick up two free packets of RATs through their local council.
The council RAT distribution program is currently operating across more than 200 local sites, such as libraries and council customer service centres. The program is now open to all Victorians with all eligibility requirements now removed.
Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit while people with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests.
Testing, especially with any compatible COVID symptoms, is critical to help with early detection and to protect others. It also allows for appropriate care and timely treatment.
