Coronavirus update for Victoria – 24 December 2021
Yesterday, 13,382 vaccine doses were administered by Victoria's state-commissioned services. The total number of doses administered through state-run services is 5,021,874.
94.4 per cent of Victorians aged 12 and over have now had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 92.7 per cent have had two doses. This excludes the most recent Commonwealth data.
There are 397 COVID-19 cases in hospital in Victoria – 75 active cases in ICU, with 40 of those on a ventilator. There are an additional 40 cleared cases in ICU.
Victoria was notified of 2,095 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday. All cases were locally acquired except for five cases which were acquired overseas. The 10 Local Government areas with the highest number of new cases are Hume, Brimbank, Wyndham, Moreland, Melbourne, Melton, Whittlesea, Darebin, Stonnington and Yarra.
All locations containing new cases will be published today at Victorian COVID-19 data .
There were 27 new confirmed cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant identified in Victoria yesterday. The total number of confirmed Omicron variant cases in Victoria is 98.
There are 15,471 active cases in Victoria. The total number of confirmed cases in Victoria since the beginning of the pandemic is 153,631.
Sadly, the Department was notified yesterday of eight deaths of people aged in their 40s, 50s, 70s, 80s and 90s. This brings the total number of deaths in Victoria since the pandemic began to 1,484.
81,565 COVID-19 tests were processed yesterday. The total number of tests performed in Victoria since the pandemic began is 16,853,991.
There are currently more than 14,700 active close contacts in isolation in Victoria.
Next dose interval
We note ATAGI's statement recommending a reduced minimum interval of four months between the primary course and the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, proposed from 4 January. This is an important and necessary change to keep more Victorians safe over summer.
People who are eligible for their third dose should book as soon as they can and play their part keeping the community safe. As we learn more about the new omicron strain, it's more important than ever that everyone who can goes and gets vaccinated.
The Commonwealth is leading the national COVID-19 booster dose program. While booster doses are available through state-run vaccination centres, the Commonwealth expects most doses to be delivered through GPs and community pharmacies. COVID-19 booster doses are available through state and Commonwealth vaccination centres, participating GPs and community pharmacies.
Appointments can be booked online . People should check for opening times over the Christmas and New Year period before booking.
Sensible mask rules
Masks are now required to be worn indoors, except for in the home, for people aged eight years and over – exceptions apply. We also strongly recommend that people opt for seated service instead of crowded, standing-only hospitality venues. See Victoria's COVIDSafe Settings for more information.
Carols and Christmas mass reminder
The Department of Health is working with St Paul's Cathedral Melbourne following the emergence of seven cases linked to rehearsals and performances of the choir and orchestra for Carols in the Cathedral.
It's a useful reminder that the increased projection of aerosol particles while singing inside is associated with an increased spread of COVID-19.
We recommend singing outside or in a well-ventilated room (with windows/doors open), with shorter performances, mask wearing and physical distancing in use where possible.
It is important that anyone attending group singing over Christmas monitor for symptoms and don't attend if any develop. People at high-risk of severe illness should reconsider participation in group singing right now.
Links and contacts
Information for overseas travellers has updates on inbound international restrictions
Current COVIDSafe settings for living and working in Victoria
Your COVID Checklist – what to do if you test positive or if you have been told you are a contact
Vaccinations , including how to book and where to go
Find your nearest testing centre
Information on Rapid Antigen Tests
Financial support is available if you have to isolate after a test, including a $450 payment
Information for industry and workers required to be vaccinated
The Commonwealth's Coronavirus (COVID-19) common operating picture
How to get your COVID-19 digital certificate
Victoria's Pandemic Order Register
To access the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Victoria, visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria website or call the 24-hour Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can also call the Victorian Aboriginal COVID Information Line on 1800 312 911. Callers will speak with Aboriginal staff who can answer questions about COVID-19 and direct them to relevant support services. The information line is open from 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week.
Reviewed 24 December 2021