Victoria reports more than 460 cases of coronavirus overnight – as shortages loom for locked down Melburnians
Victoria has recorded more than 460 new coronavirus cases.
The latest figures come after the state reported 450 infections on Friday, a dramatic decrease from its record of 750 cases on Wednesday.
More to come
A Protective Services Officer speaks to a man at the Southern Cross Station in Melbourne on Friday
Signage for stage four lockdown restrictions, implemented to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease, is seen in Melbourne
Education minister James Merlino announced on Friday all Victorian students studying for their VCE will be individually assessed for any adverse impacts from COVID-19 – which will then be reflected in their ATAR score.
‘This is quite an extraordinary change. So every single student will be individually assessed,’ he said.
‘We’ll look at things such as school closures, we’ll look at things such as long absences.
‘We’ll look at things, for example, such as significant increase in family responsibilities as a result of COVID-19 and we’ll of course consider the mental health and wellbeing of students during this period.’
Premier Andrews meanwhile revealed health officials in the state were door-knocking every single confirmed COVID-19 case.
He said 1,000 of the 1,150 cases visited on Thursday were isolating within the rules, while the 150 who were not have been referred to Victoria Police.
A worker wearing a face mask and protective clothing attends to members of the public at a pop-up COVID-19 testing clinic
Two men were arrested in relation to the so-called ‘freedom rally’ which is planned to take place on the steps of Parliament on Sunday.
The scheduled protest for Sunday would be in breach of the Chief Health Officer’s directions which bans gatherings of more than two people in public places.
The arrests of the men, both aged 41, came after police searched two homes in Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park on Thursday.
A 41-year-old male from Mooroolbark was charged with incitement. He was bailed and is due to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court in January next year.
A 41-year-old male from Chirnside Park was also arrested but was released with intent to summons. He is expected to be charged on Friday with the same offences.
More than 400 people have expressed interest in attending the protest but police have warned they will be dishing out $1652 fines and making arrests.
‘This selfish behaviour will absolutely not be tolerated,’ Victoria Police said.
‘Be assured Victoria Police will be responding and will take appropriate action.
Police and soldiers patrol a running track while people exercise in Melbourne on Friday