Omicron becomes dominant COVID-19 strain in Victoria

Omicron COVID-19 cases appear to have become the dominant strain in Victoria amid calls to re-introduce restrictions as cases continue to rise.

Victoria recorded its fifth day of record COVID-19 cases, with 7442 new infections clocked yesterday.

Nine more people in Victoria died with the virus.

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Testing clinics are under significant strain as the Omicron outbreak continues to grow. (The Age)

There were 451 people in hospital battling COVID-19, with 51 in intensive care and 22 ventilated.

The Kirby Institute has said the number of COVID-19 cases could be up to five times higher as many are going unreported.

Testing clinics have been under undue strain and rapid tests are becoming harder to come by.

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Australian Medical Association President Omar Khorshid said some states may need to be back into lockdown as countries like Germany and Europe have while battling significant outbreaks.

However, the Victorian government have said there are no plans to re-introduce lockdowns at this stage.

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