Big spike in Covid cases in Victoria

Image: Getty
Image: Getty
Another 1438 new locally acquired Covid-19 cases and 5 deaths have been recorded in Victoria.

The new case numbers mark another daily record for the state, bring the total number of active cases in the state to 11,018 and the death toll of the current outbreak to 41.

The figure was a big jump from 950 cases the previous day.

There were 65,497 tests processed and 34,323 vaccine doses administered at state hubs on Wednesday.

With lockdown continuing until vaccination milestones are reached, the state and federal governments are extending a jointly funded business grants package for six more weeks.

Up to $A2.27 billion for small to medium-sized businesses was announced on Thursday for those most affected by restrictions as Victoria reaches the 70 percent, then 80 percent fully vaccinated thresholds, forecast for about October 26 and November 5 respectively.

More than 160,000 businesses will be eligible for the support, ranging from retailers and gyms to hairdressers and hotels - mostly through automatic deposits into their bank accounts.

Also from Thursday, Victorian residents in extreme risk zones such as Greater Sydney can apply for a permit if they are fully vaccinated, test negative within 72 hours of departure and isolate at home for 14 days.

Those who have been to an exposure site, are close contacts of a Covid-19 case or with symptoms will be knocked back, while non-Victorians are not eligible.

For exposure sites visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites