coronavirus, coronavirus, covid, lockdown, cases, high

VICTORIA recorded 1612 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. It marks the second consecutive day of decreasing numbers of new cases from the record high 1965 for a period covering last Friday. That figure dropped to 1890 the following day. Sadly, another eight deaths were recorded in the numbers revealed this morning. A total of 19,012 people across the state currently have COVID-19. About 34,279 vaccine doses were administered on Sunday along with over 73,138 tests. With vaccine supply now assured, mRNA vaccines Pfizer and Moderna will be available to people of any age through state-run vaccination centres, not just those under 60. Victoria is on the way to becoming one of the world's most vaccinated jurisdictions. As of yesterday, 86 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and over had received their first dose - including 93 per cent of people aged 50 and over, more than 95 per cent of people aged 70 and over, and 64 per cent of people aged between 12 and 15. Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley encouraged anyone who hasn't received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to book an appointment at any of the providers, including the state-run clinics, GPs or pharmacies. "Whether you're 16 or 60 and you're yet to be vaccinated please come forward, there's bookings there," Minister Foley said. Monday signals the first day regional areas will begin trialling a system to check the vaccination status of people wanting to visit a business. The system will be used in Melbourne once lockdown lifts and businesses can reopen, with 14 regional venues participating in the trial, including gyms, pubs, cafes, churches, real estate agents, move theatres and beauticians. Patrons will be asked to show they are fully vaccinated by displaying a digital certificate via the Services Victoria app, Medicare app or smartphone wallet. As of 10am Monday, more than 50,000 people had successfully connected their vaccination certificates to their Service Victoria app. More than 4300 people were added to the app within 10 minutes when demand hit a peak between 9.30am and 9.40am, a state government spokesman said. A printed version of the certificate or immunisation history statement can also be used as proof, or the patron will need to show evidence of a valid exemption. The trials will test the vaccine certification technology and train staff and business owners on how to communicate vaccine requirements to patrons. If successful, the system will be scaled up so double-vaccinated Victorians can attend the Melbourne Cup and live music within weeks. - with Australian Associated Press

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