Victoria has recorded a further 15 COVID-related deaths along with 5874 new cases as restrictions across the state continue to be eased. 

Health authorities say there are now just under 41,000 active virus cases in Victoria or about 160 fewer than reported on Friday. 

There are 291 COVID-19 patients in hospital care, down 10. Of these 43 are in ICUs and five require ventilation.

Of the latest cases, 3788 were detected using rapid antigen kits, while 2086 were returned via PCR lab tests.

The state’s mask mandate has meanwhile been ditched in most places, with workers also no longer urged to base themselves at home.

Face coverings are no longer required indoors other than when using public transport and taxis or visiting airports and hospitals.

Hospitality and retail workers, primary school and early childhood staff, and justice and correctional facility employees must continue wearing masks.

High school students will be able to remove theirs in class but primary school children in grades three to six will still have to wear them for now.

Asked on Friday whether isolation rules would be further eased, Health Minister Martin Foley said the situation was “under constant review”.

He said the Victorian and NSW governments had requested the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee to revisit the issue of isolation rules for close contacts.

Elsewhere, Victorians are being warned to brace themselves for a difficult influenza outlook.

“Epidemiologists and clinicians are increasingly concerned that we may have quite a challenging flu season, having had a bit of a pass for the last couple of years,” COVID-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar said on Friday.

“We’re getting back to the things we love and flu will be something that’s going to be very present in our lives over the autumn and winter period”.

“So please get your COVID vaccine done, get your third dose done and get your flu shot after that. It’s a really important thing for us all to do.”

Mr Foley says the state’s in-home vaccination program will be expanded to include children, particularly those with disabilities or special needs.

Meanwhile, reforms will soon allow licensed restaurants and cafes to sell alcohol with takeaway meals without applying for a second licence.

The reforms, which come into effect from next month, will help the hospitality sector carry out business without additional fees or red tape. 

Bars, hotels, restaurants and cafes wanting to extend trading hours from 11pm to 1am will be able to automatically.

AAP

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