UPDATE 12.15
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Mr Merlino said there were plenty of vaccination appointments available over the week.
"In terms of first dose appointments available in state clinics over the next seven days," he said.
"We have more the 4200 Pfizer appointments, more the 8500 AstraZeneca appointments and more than 23,000 Moderna first dose appointments."
He said more vaccines were also available through GPs and pharmacies.
Mr Merlino also announced a vaccination initiative targetting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Victoria.
"Today I'm also pleased to announce a really positive vaccination initiative," he said.
"The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, community leaders and other health services are partnering to bring dedicated vaccination vans into our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
"Three of Victoria's Smile Squad Dental vans will be repurposed as vaccination vans with the first heading to Shepparton today.
"Shepparton has the largest Aboriginal population in Victoria outside of Melbourne and is currently in lockdown where it is battling an outbreak."
He said vaccine uptake in Victoria's first nations communities was high compared to other states and territories, but still lower than the broader Victorian population.
"With 65 per cent having received a first dose we do know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at a higher risk of COVID-19 due to a number of factors including pre-existing medical conditions and large households," he said.
"So this is a really important initiative that will bring the vaccine directly to some of our most at risk communities."
UPDATE 11.56am
Mr Merlino said 45 per cent of today's cases are aged between 10 and 29.
He said 498 people are in hospital, 96 of those in ICU and 59 on a ventilator.
In Victoria, 52.5 per cent of people are fully vaccinated and 82.2 per cent have had their first dose.
Mr Merlino said including the population aged 12 and above, the first dose vaccination rate was "similar" at 81.1 per cent.
"This really does reflect the rapid and enthusiastic uptake of vaccines in the newly eligible 12-15 cohort, with 160,000 young people coming forward to get the vaccine in the last few weeks," he said.
UPDATE 11.53am
Deputy Premier James Merlino is speaking at the Victorian COVID-19 press conference.
He provided more detail on the four deaths announced today.
- A woman in her 70s (from Hume)
- A woman in her 60s (from Hume)
- A man in his 60s (from Manningham)
- A man in his 80s (from Moreland)
EARLIER
Victoria has recorded 1377 new local cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to midnight.
The Department of Health and Human Services said on Monday there were no cases acquired overseas.
"Sadly, four people with COVID-19 have died," the department said.
There were 30,985 vaccines administered and 67,789 test results received.
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