Victoria has recorded another spike in COVID-19 cases, with 246 new positive results announced today.
A total of 121 have been so far linked to existing cases.
The state conducted 42,258 tests and administered 26,955 vaccination doses.
The ongoing high rates of vaccination may lead to easing of lockdown restrictions ahead of schedule, with the state expected to reach a key milestone this month.
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https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1434648657647652866?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwAt current rates, Victoria is expected to reach its target of 70 per cent of the population having had at least one dose of the vaccine four days ahead of the September 23 forecast.
Any easing of restrictions is likely to be minimal, with authorities focused on reaching the double-dose target for the return of more expansive freedoms.
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However, Premier Daniel Andrews has warned such freedoms would only be permitted for those who have been vaccinated.
"To protect the health system we are going to lock out people who are not vaccinated and can be," he said.
Mr Andrews has already promised a 10 kilometre bubble and an extra hour of exercise, hinting the state could go further.
To continue upping the speed of the rollout, from today, Year 12 students in Victoria will receive priority bookings at mass vaccination hubs.
Cases continue to climb
The news comes after Victoria recorded 183 new COVID-19 cases yesterday.
"What we are seeing is a very high attack rate, and a message to those who continue to operate the essential businesses that we are maintaining, it is so important that your COVID-safe protocols are as strong as you can possibly make them," COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar said.
"We are seeing levels of community transmission that we have not seen for a long time, you need to make sure your workplaces are as safe as they can be."
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Mr Weimar also urged Victorians who needed them to take advantage of payments to support workers while they wait for the results of their COVID-19 test.
"There are $450 test isolation payments available and I'm pleased to confirm that over 6000 people a day are applying for those test and isolation payments," Mr Weimar said.
"If you need that extra bit of support to get tested because you can't afford to miss a day of work, you can't afford to miss a shift, you need the extra income, please get tested, knowing that 6000 people a day are applying and getting those payments."
