THE gap between Pfizer doses will be slashed to three weeks as Victoria marked a grim COVID-19 milestone on Thursday, with daily case numbers swelling to quadruple figures for the first time.
Premier Daniel Andrews said many of the 1438 new cases were “completely avoidable”.
After an almost 50 per cent jump in daily infections, Mr Andrews said it was clear Victorians were not following the rules.
“Actual interviews tell us that many hundreds of people – perhaps thousands of people – have made some choices that meant they’re not spending time in their own home but they’re spending time in someone else’s home,” he said.
“I know it’s difficult, we are all longing for that personal connection and to spend time with each other and get back to normal, but pretending the rules don’t apply to you and thinking I’ll be fine and I won’t catch this and won’t give it to others – well the data and the facts tell a different story.”
The state has 11,018 active cases after more than 65,400 test results were processed on Wednesday.
A third of Thursday’s reported cases were linked to social gatherings and grand final parties last Friday and Saturday.
Testing commander Jeroen Weimar said it was a “significant setback”.
He said the vaccine targets were not far away, but Victorians couldn’t drop their guard now.
“We need to buy time to stop transmission now,” he said.
“We now have cases in every LGA, we have cases in every suburb.”
He revealed 93 per cent of Thursday’s reported cases were not vaccinated.
Mr Weimar has urged anyone that attended a grand final party – regardless of symptoms – to get tested immediately.
Mr Andrews said with the Federal Government providing assurances on forward vaccine supply, the interval between Pfizer doses was able to be reduced to reach the double-dose targets of 70 and 80 per cent faster.
“Following advice from our public health team, and firmer projections for supply for the final week in October, the Pfizer interval (between doses) will be reduced to three weeks, commencing October 4,” he said.
“This means that anyone who has received their first Pfizer dose will be able to bring forward their second dose – if they choose.
“Changes in the vaccine booking system will be made overnight on October 3 and on October 4 people will be able to make a second dose booking from three weeks after they had their first dose.
“Being fully vaccinated is the best defence against this virus.”
Mr Andrews said appointments available in the state system were limited by supply.
“We encourage anyone wanting to book an appointment to check with their GP and pharmacy too,” he said.
The next threshold in the reopening roadmap will be reached when Victoria hits its 70 per cent double-dose vaccination target, which was projected about October 26 without the reduction in dosage interval.
