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Coronavirus crisis: Fifteen new virus deaths reported in Eastern States

AAP & staff writersThe West Australian
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About 73 per cent of Victorians above the age of 16 are double-dose vaccinated.
Camera IconAbout 73 per cent of Victorians above the age of 16 are double-dose vaccinated. Credit: NCA/NCA

Halloween enthusiasts are being warned to keep trick-or-treating COVID-safe as Victoria and New South Wales continue to record virus infections and deaths.

Victoria has reported 1935 new COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths ahead of an expected announcement on further restrictions easing when the State hits its 80 per cent full vaccination target.

On the first weekend since Melbourne’s 77-day lockdown ended, the State is managing almost 25,000 active cases.

NSW has added a further 296 locally acquired infections to its COVID-19 caseload along with four more deaths.

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Some 480 people with the virus remain in hospitals across the State, 119 of them in intensive care.

Victoria has 1935 COVID-19 cases, 11 deaths

Victoria has reported 1935 new COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths ahead of an expected announcement on further restrictions easing when the State hits its 80 per cent full vaccination target.

On the first weekend since Melbourne’s 77-day lockdown ended, the State is managing almost 25,000 active cases.

There are 787 people in hospital, slightly lifting the seven-day average to 793. Of them, 146 are in intensive care and 93 of those on a ventilator.

The latest deaths take the toll from the current outbreak to 223.

Some 73 per cent of Victorians over 16 are now fully vaccinated.

It comes as changes to Victoria’s roadmap are set to be unveiled on Sunday, as the State nears its 80 per cent full vaccination milestone.

Premier Daniel Andrews on Friday said the State is on track to reach 80 per cent full vaccination of its over 16 population by next weekend, paving the way for further restrictions to ease.

Victoria was initially forecast to reach the milestone on November 5, but analysts predict the target could be hit on October 29 or 30.

The sped-up vaccination rate has prompted Victorian authorities to green light a 5500-strong, fully vaccinated crowd for Derby Day before 10,000 arrive at Flemington for the Melbourne Cup three days later.

Caps on major sports events could be dumped altogether once 90 per cent of Victorians over 12 are fully vaccinated, the Herald Sun reports, allowing up to 75,000 fans to potentially pack into the MCG for Boxing Day Test.

NSW records 296 virus cases, four deaths

NSW has added a further 296 locally acquired infections to its COVID-19 caseload along with four more deaths.

Some 480 people with the virus remain in hospitals across the State, 119 of them in intensive care.

Health officials say almost 67,000 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday.

More than 93 per cent of NSW residents aged 16 or over have now received at least one vaccine dose, while 84.4 per cent have had both jabs.

Meanwhile, Halloween enthusiasts are being warned to keep trick-or-treating COVID-safe.

“If you and your family are planning to celebrate Halloween this year ... aim to keep the celebrations outside, provide closed packaging for treats and instead of communal lolly bowls consider other ways to distribute your treats,” NSW Health’s Jeremy McAnulty advised on Saturday.

“For example, along the front fence of the house or hidden in the front yard.”

Dr McAnulty suggests families put their efforts towards decorating front yards and staying in the neighbourhood rather than travelling further afield.

Kids shouldn’t be sharing costume masks and their parents should check if they’ve got symptoms before heading out, he says.

The state reported 332 new cases on Saturday, as well as two deaths.

Cases continue to surge in the Hunter New England area, which, to Friday evening, had the highest number of new infections of any health district with 78.

The state’s hospital numbers continue to steadily fall, having dropped from 482 to 469 on Saturday.

Some 123 NSW residents were in intensive care at the beginning of the weekend, of whom the vast bulk - 96 - were unvaccinated. Eighteen people had received one shot and nine both.

As children in most year groups prepare for a return to school on Monday, vaccination rates in the 12- to 15-year age bracket are rising.

Some 77.59 per cent have received one dose and 48.83 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Of those aged 16 and up, 93 per cent have received at least one jab and 84.4 both.

Dr McAnulty says since restrictions eased in recent weeks there has been likely transmission in high-risk indoor venues, such as bars and gyms.

He says it’s a reminder to keep adhering to COVID-safe practices, even for the fully vaccinated.

STATE-BY-STATE CASE BREAKDOWN

  • VIC — 1935 new local cases, 11 deaths
  • NSW — 296 new local cases, four deaths
  • QLD — TBA
  • ACT — TBA
  • SA — TBA
  • WA — 0 new local cases
  • TAS — TBA
  • NT — TBA

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