Victoria's COVID-19 death toll surges as state records 5137 new cases

Victoria has recorded a sharp increase in deaths attributed to COVID-19 after recording 13 further deaths overnight.
In the past 24 hours, Victoria recorded 5137 new COVID-19 cases, another surge from yesterday's 3767 cases.
Hospitalisation numbers dropped by two, with 395 Victorian currently receiving medical treatment for the virus.
The Chemist Warehouse , Brunswick, Melbourne ,is one of many which has sold out of test kits.
The Chemist Warehouse , Brunswick, Melbourne ,is one of many which has sold out of test kits.(Photograph by Chris Hopkins)
More than 81,000 COVID-19 tests were administered yesterday and the state's two-dose vaccination rate for residents aged over 12 remains at 92 per cent.
Currently Victoria has just under 24,000 active cases of the virus in the state.
It is unclear what percentage of these cases are the Omicron or other variants of COVID-19.

Testing sites closed due to heat

Testing sites around Victoria have reportedly been closed due to the high heat in Victoria.
A testing site in Mernda is among those that have suspended testing.
It comes as the government has advised some testing sites may need to close over the next three days due to excessive heat, particularly those located outdoors in tents.
"Temperature inside the tents can rise even 10 degrees higher, and testing staff work in full PPE," the Chief Health Officer's report has stated.
People are being advised to check the government website to confirm that testing sites are open before heading out.
Anyone getting a test is advised to take water with them and beware of the dangers of sitting in cars for long periods in hot weather.

Questions remain over free at-home COVID-19 tests

Millions of at-home rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 are set to arrive in Victoria in the coming weeks, but it remains to be seen how they will be distributed.
Clinics and pop-up sites are likely to be involved in the rollout of the 34 million tests, which will be free for residents.
Health Minister Martin Foley took a stab at the federal government yesterday, saying it should fund free tests for residents.
A Brunswick is displaying a sign showing they have supply of Rapid Antigen Test kits in Melbourne.
Millions of free at-home tests will be rolled out to Victorians.(Photograph by Chris Hopkins)
"That will be part of a process that has fallen to the states," he said.
"We would much prefer a national approach … failing that, as per usual the states have had to step up."
Victoria recorded 3767 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, jumping from 2738 recorded the day before.
Mr Foley said the rise in daily COVID-19 cases in the state was in keeping with the projections forecast by the Doherty Institute.
He said Victorians could expect to see the number of infections continue to rise, as in New South Wales.
Mr Foley said both the Omicron and Delta strains of the virus were "circulating widely" in the community.
He recommended venues and patrons to stick to seated service and being outside where possible when out.
A sign on display advises the public to the requirements of face masks.
How Australia faced the emergence of the Omicron variant
Testing demand continues to be heavy, with health workers at the Albert Park clinic in Melbourne calling for people who had received a positive result on a rapid antigen test to turn their hazard lights on, to facilitate priority PCR testing.

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