Victoria has reported a record 1,965 new Covid-19 cases and five deaths overnight with the state tipped to reach both its vaccination targets ahead of schedule. The 1,965 new cases announced on Saturday smash the 1,838 cases reported on Friday. 'In many states in America, school mask mandates have been put in place and they have helped to reduce transmission,' Professor Sutton said. There are now 12 active COVID-19 cases in the area, with health officials hoping the lockdown will prevent the outbreak from escalating. A small tweak to the mask rules also came into effect at midnight on Friday, with adults now allowed to remove their face mask to consume alcohol while outdoors.

Source: The Nation October 08, 2021 21:56 UTC