12pm
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews has put regional Victoria 'on alert' and announced a new push for testing in regional areas, in light of outbreaks in Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.
Eight people have died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, and 278 new cases have been diagnosed.
Today's case numbers is the lowest daily figure since July 19.
Albury Wodonga Health and Murrumbidgee Local Health District have both reported no new cases have been diagnosed in their catchments.
Mr Andrews said regional Victorians have done the right thing, but recent outbreaks were concerning.
"As we know, in every regional community across the state, all it takes is one positive case," he said in a statement.
Mr Andrews said regional testing capacity would be expanded with additional staff across Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo. Each city will open a new testing clinic.
He urged all regional Victorians to get tested if they have any symptoms.
Mr Andrews announce the Coronavirus Test Isolation Payment for people in lockdown awaiting test results would be increased to $450.
In NSW, 12 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and one woman in her 80s has died in the past 24 hours to 8pm.
Watch Mr Andrews speak below. Please allow a moment for the video to load.
9.30am
Victoria has recorded its lowest daily coronavirus death tally since August 8 with eight deaths reported in the past 24 hours.
278 cases of COVID-19 detected in that time.
It comes after repeated days of record-breaking death tallies. Yesterday, 21 deaths were recorded, it followed two consecutive days where 19 Victorians died.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian are expected to address their respective states later.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Yesterday, NSW recorded 19 new COVID-19 cases.
Ms Berejiklian warned further measures could be introduced if the community does not increase its use of masks and distancing compliance.
She said it was concerning that a number of new community transmissions could not be traced to an origin.