Victoria records 6,280 new Covid cases and NSW sees 7,615 infections – as both states welcome new freedoms
- Victoria recorded 6,280 new Covid-19 cases and 20 deaths on Saturday
- NSW recorded 7,615 new infections and 12 deaths overnight as restrictions ease
- Both states enjoyed the first weekend of eased restrictions including dancing
Victoria has recorded 6,280 new Covid-19 cases while NSW has recorded 7,615 as both states begin the first weekend of eased restrictions.
The new cases announced in Victoria on Saturday include 4,214 from rapid antigen tests and 2,066 from PCRs, bringing active cases to 48,420.
The state recorded another 20 deaths while NSW reported 12.
The latest figures come after Victorians and NSW residents spent the night dancing at nightclubs and other venues, following the easing of restrictions.
Victoria has recorded 6,280 new Covid-19 cases while NSW has recorded 7,615 as both states begin the first weekend of eased restrictions
Indoor dance floors reopened at 6pm on Friday, while density limits at hospitality and entertainment venues were scrapped.
QR code check-in requirements are no longer in place at retail venues or schools, but will remain in hospitality and entertainment settings.
Premier Daniel Andrews flagged more changes, with the health minister to consider easing rules around masks and working from home.
Mr Andrews said that update could come as early as next week.
‘We always said these measures wouldn’t be in place for a minute longer than they are needed,’ he said.
‘With hospitalisation numbers decreasing and less pressure on our health system, now is a sensible time to make changes.’
There are 365 patients in Victoria hospitals with Covid-19, 14 fewer than on Friday. Of these, 55 are being treated in intensive care and 13 are on ventilators.
More than 54 per cent of Victorian adults have received three doses of a vaccine.
Meanwhile, NSW pubs and nightclubs have put a ‘terrible’ few months in the rear-view mirror with patrons enjoying their first Friday since 2021 without COVID-19 restrictions.
Mitchell Crum, the owner of inner-Sydney hotel The Lord Gladstone, says things went viral when he posted a Facebook event on Friday to celebrate restrictions easing.
Graham Cordery says the ‘return to normal’ at his Surry Hills live music venue The Soda Factory is also cause to rejoice.
‘I feel that there’s a real air of positivity,’ he said.
‘Let’s just say it’s definitely about time they put (live music venues) on an equal footing with many, many other industries that are returning to normal.’
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