Victoria records 8,577 new COVID-19 cases, three deaths

Victoria has reported a record 8,577 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths, as experts raise doubts about the usefulness of the QR-code check-in system.

Today’s daily case numbers surpassed Victoria’s previous record of 7,442, set on New Year’s Day. The state recorded 7,172 new COVID-19 cases yesterday.

The number of people in hospital with the virus has risen slightly to 491, and there are 104 people in intensive care. Of those, 56 still have an active COVID-19 infection, and 24 are on a ventilator.

Another 494 Victorians rolled up their sleeves to receive a COVID-19 vaccine dose at a state-run hub yesterday while 44,168 tests were processed.

The proportion of the population aged over 12 who are fully vaccinated is at 93 per cent, while 11 per cent have received three doses.

NSW recorded 20,794 new COVID-19 cases and four deaths.

Meanwhile, the Victorian government wants people to continue checking in at every venue in the state, despite doubts about the QR-code system’s effectiveness to stem the spread of COVID-19 given high case numbers and the change in the “close contact” definition.

Source: theage.com.au