Michaela Meade
Two men from Melton are among the 11 people who have died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
Deputy Premier James Merlino confirmed that two men from Melton, one in his 70s and one in his 60s, have died from the virus.
“These people are not just a statistic,” Mr Merlino said.
“Every one of them led a full life, with family and friends who loved them.
“We pass on our deepest sympathies to their families and friends.”
It comes as Victoria recorded 2297 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours.
“This is a significant jump in numbers which we know will come as a surprise to many Victorians,” Mr Merlino said.
“We had hoped to see a plateau in numbers, but today’s jump does still land within the projected range of the… modelling.”
COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar said cases were decreasing on average in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
“We’re seeing a far lower level of increase in Hume, Moreland, Whittlesea, Melton and Brimbank,” Mr Weimar said.
“In our western suburbs, we’ve seen 633 [new] cases.”
Mr Weimar said that was an increase of 50 per cent on yesterday’s COVID-19 cases in the area.
Acting chief health officer Ben Cowie urged the community to get vaccinated, considering the high number of cases today.
“We are seeing vaccination put a very substantial downward pressure on transmission,” Professor Cowie said.
“We just need to keep that process going, to get… as many Victorians as possible vaccinated.”
To book your vaccination: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment
