Victoria has recorded 473 new Covid-19 cases overnight as authorities launched a ‘zero tolerance’ enforcement blitz on the state’s construction workers and warned their industry could be shut down if they keep flouting lockdown rules.
Treasurer Tim Pallas on Monday announced authorities would start targeting the industry after an alarming number of cases were linked to the sector.
The announcement came as Premier Daniel Andrews promised to reveal a roadmap out of lockdown within the next week.
The premier has flagged the state government will receive detailed modelling from the Burnet Institute in coming days, before the ‘caveated’ blueprint is laid out ‘in about a week’s time’.
The modelling will allow health authorities and ministers to formulate plans about what businesses can open and when, on the path to fully vaccinating 80 per cent of Victoria’s eligible population.
It comes despite the number of Covid-19 cases continuing to grow with the state recording its highest daily tally on Monday since the outbreak began. Only 202 of the new cases have been linked to known outbreaks.
Victoria has recorded 473 new Covid-19 cases overnight with Daniel Andrews promising to reveal a roadmap out of lockdown within the next week
The premier has flagged the state government will receive detailed modelling from the Burnet Institute in coming days, before the ‘caveated’ blueprint is laid out ‘in about a week’s time’
Monday’s new cases take the number of active infections across the state to 3,507.
There were 49,037 tests conducted and 30,032 vaccines administered in the last 24 hours.
The state government has previously announced a minor easing of restrictions when the state hits 70 per cent first-dose coverage, including an extra hour of outdoor activity and the expansion of the five-kilometre travel radius to 10km.
By Sunday, 66.2 per cent of the eligible Victorian population had received at least their first dose.
A plan to return students to classrooms, including upgrading ventilation in schools and staggered entry times, will form part of the more comprehensive roadmap.
Health authorities are currently investigating a significant outbreak at a Melbourne school, with The Age reporting its principal repeatedly flouted lockdown rules by inviting parents to send their children.
Deputy Chief Health Officer Dan O’Brien said the outbreak at the Fitzroy Community School in North Fitzroy had grown to at least 30 cases involving students and staff.
‘It looks like the case numbers are at least 30 but it’s growing from there,’ Mr O’Brien said.
The independent, ‘alternative’ primary school had posted links to numerous articles on its website about the dangers of lockdowns to the mental health of children and the minimal risk of Covid-19 to children,
The Age reported an email it obtained from the principal, Timothy Berryman, sent to parents in early June that encouraged parents to send their children to the school as Victoria remained in lockdown.
The modelling will allow health authorities and ministers to formulate plans about what businesses can open and when, on the path to fully vaccinating 80 per cent of Victoria’s eligible population
The federal government has embarked on a three-week vaccination blitz of the areas, sending an extra 417,000 Pfizer and Moderna doses to Victoria
‘I cannot in good conscience continue to request that you continue to keep your children at home,’ the email read.
‘Please feel free to send your child to school if you feel that this is best for them or best for your family balance. I do not write this lightly, as this does breach government imposed directives for schools.’
Mr Berryman was later warned that his encouragement to parents was in breach of health directive at the time but in late July, he continued to suggest they send their children to the school.
‘I am again offering you all the option of sending your children to school,’ he wrote.
Children aged from 12 to 15 years will be able to get a Pfizer vaccination in Victoria from Monday.
Schools and COVID-hit areas are also preparing to welcome a series of pop-up vaccination hubs to boost coverage rates, with the program to begin over the next two weeks.
The state government has previously announced a minor easing of restrictions when the state hits 70 per cent first-dose coverage
At least 30 students and staff tested positive at Fitzroy Community Centre at Fitzroy North, Melbourne
Of the 392 new cases reported on Sunday, 255 were from Melbourne’s north and another 89 came from the western suburbs.
The federal government has embarked on a three-week vaccination blitz of the areas, sending an extra 417,000 Pfizer and Moderna doses to Victoria.
Meanwhile, most Victorian trains remain suspended on Monday as 300 V/Line employees isolate after five positive tests among drivers and operational staff.
Coaches are replacing most services.