There were 9,230 COVID-19 cases reported in Victoria this week, down 2 per cent on the previous week. The average daily number of new cases this week was 1,319.
The number of active cases in Victoria is 7,415, down from a peak of 71,428 recorded on 23 July.
The seven-day rolling average of patients with COVID-19 in Victorian hospitals is 137, down 5.5 per cent when compared to the same time last week. The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalised in the BA.5 wave peaked at 906 on 20 July.
There are currently 8 COVID-19 patients and 3 cleared cases in intensive care. There are 3 COVID-19 patients on a ventilator.
The seven-day rolling average of patients in intensive care in Victorian hospitals is 9.
In the past three months, 5,969 COVID-19 patients were hospitalised in Victoria. 44 per cent of these patients had not received their third vaccine dose. 1,773 (29.7 per cent) were unvaccinated, 59 had received one dose, 792 had two doses, 1,790 had received three doses and 1,555 had received four doses.
94.8 per cent of people aged 12 and over in Victoria have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 70 per cent of people aged 16 and over in Victoria have had their third dose.
Of Victorians aged 50 to 64 years, 79.7 per cent have had their third dose and 27.3 per cent have had their fourth dose. Of those aged over 65, 90.7 per cent have had their third dose and 65.7 per cent have had their fourth dose.
A total of 43 COVID-19 related deaths were reported to the Department in the past week. An average of 6 deaths were reported each day in the past week. The represents a 59.2 per cent decrease in the number of COVID-19 related deaths in the past month when compared to the previous month.
In the past three months, there have been 1,478 COVID-19 related deaths in Victoria. Of those deaths, 50.3 per cent had not received their third COVID-19 vaccine dose. 662 (42.1 per cent) were unvaccinated, 7 had received one dose, 115 had two doses, 308 had received three doses and 426 had received four doses.
The total number of COVID-related deaths in Victoria since the pandemic began is 5,711. The number of COVID related deaths recorded in Victoria so far this year is 4,100.
COVID-19 epidemiological summary
The number of new COVID-19 cases in Victoria has reached a stable low point following the July peak.
Hospitalisations and intensive care admissions for COVID-19 remain steady, while the number of COVID related deaths has continued to decline.
Wastewater and genomic testing continue to show the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 sub-variants of COVID-19 remain the dominant strains in Victoria. The Department is closely monitoring Omicron sublineages which are showing growth patterns in other countries. There is no evidence to suggest these sub-lineages cause more severe disease.
The Omicron BA.2 sub-lineages, BA.2.75 and BA.2.75.2, have been detected in Victoria in both metro and regional areas at low levels. Other BA.2 and BA.5 sublineages have also been detected at low levels but are not widespread.
It is important that Victorians remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, get tested and stay home if you are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms, wear a good quality face mask if you are indoors in a public space or outside in a crowded space where you can't physically distance and maintain good ventilation indoors.
Testing and treatment with COVID-19 medicines have been an important intervention that has likely contributed to our reduced number of hospitalisations and deaths. COVID-19 medicines are available if you test positive and people are encouraged to speak to their doctor about these treatments.
The Department of Health has developed an online tool to help people determine if they may be eligible for COVID19 medicines. This tool does not replace the advice of a GP, it is a guide only.
