The state recorded 1313 new cases on Thursday, and four deaths, with 457 Victorians in hospital, of whom 79 were in intensive care – 48 on ventilators.
About 85 per cent of Victorians aged older than 12 are fully vaccinated and 92.7 per cent have received their first jab.
A 90 per cent double-dose vaccination rate was predicted to be reached about November 24.
More than 95 per cent of the eligible population in Swan Hill local government area is double-dosed.
The Swan Hill LGA also hit a grim milestone with 100 positive cases reported since the start of the pandemic.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has flagged that there would be “no caps anywhere” beyond the 90 per cent double-dose target.
“There will be no density limits anywhere,” he said.
“Masks will only be required in high-risk indoor settings, such as public transport, prisons, hospitals, aged care, to give you some examples.”
With the local outbreak stabilising, the drive-through testing clinic at Swan Hill Showgrounds has reduced operating hours, now open daily from 8am until 11am.
The latest results came as the Victorian Government announced it would roll out free rapid antigen tests in schools to get students identified as close contacts of COVID-19 cases back in classes quicker.
Rapid tests will be rolled out to up to 20 outbreak-stricken schools, before broader distribution to all schools.
The tests, which are approved for use at home by the national medicines regulator, will be offered to unvaccinated students deemed primary close contacts of a positive case at school.
They will allow students to return to face-to-face learning after seven days in isolation, rather than 14.
But they will still need to provide a negative PCR test on day six, and return a negative rapid test before school from days eight to 14 after exposure.
The program will operate on an opt-in basis from November 15 and fully vaccinated children will not participate as they are required to quarantine for only seven days.
Education Minister James Merlino said children made up one-in-three primary close contacts across the state, with those under 12 still ineligible to get a vaccine.
“That means that there is significant disruption for students and their families when they’re identified as a primary close contact at school,” he said on Monday.
“For all of our unvaccinated and partially vaccinated students, they’ll be able to return to school a week earlier than has been the case.”
Co-chair of Australia’s expert immunisation panel, Professor Allen Cheng, answers questions on the booster shot rollout:
When do I need a booster vaccine dose?
Victorians who received their second COVID vaccine more than six months ago is now eligible for a booster shot.
What vaccine brand will I receive?
The Pfizer vaccine will be used for booster shots, regardless of whether the person received two doses of the Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Moderna doses initially.
What doses are available?
Pfizer vaccines have already been approved for the booster shot rollout, with more than 173,000 doses already having been administered. Moderna vaccines are expected to be approved for the rollout in the coming weeks.
Where can I receive my booster shot?
Pharmacies and GP clinics have been given the green light to administer booster shots. The boosters will also be distributed at state-run vaccination hubs. The Swan Hill District Health vaccination clinic at Tristar Medical Centre is now offering booster shots. Book online at www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/swan-hill-VIC-3585/swan-hill-respiratory-clinic/doctors or call the clinic on 5033 9968.
Will not receiving a booster dose restrict my freedoms?
Australians are classified as fully vaccinated after receiving the first two doses of their COVID vaccine. People who haven’t received a booster won’t be treated as unvaccinated or locked out of hospitality venues, retail stores and events.
