Victoria has recorded another 1534 locally acquired COVID-19 cases and 13 more people have died with the virus.
The health department confirmed on Wednesday the state is managing 24,164 active infections.
There are 748 people in hospital, with the seven-day average at 784. Of those, 138 are in intensive care with 87 on a ventilator.
The latest deaths take the toll from the current outbreak to 247.
About 76 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and over are now fully vaccinated.
There were 83,210 tests processed and 24,180 COVID-19 vaccine doses administered at state-run hubs on Tuesday.
The latest figures comes as businesses prepare for more restrictions to ease on Friday, with the state government offering $2000 vouchers to allow cafes, hotels, restaurants and bars to purchase equipment.
From 11am Wednesday, venues can apply for one of 7000 vouchers for expenses including purchasing or hiring outdoor furniture, marquees, screens, umbrellas and insurance.
The QR code check-in app Victorians use to register at cafes, shops and even playgrounds will also be able to let them know if they have visited an exposure site.
An update to the Service Victoria app will mean it can notify people if they have visited a tier one exposure site.
Previously, Victorians had to keep a close eye on government exposure site listings, which can run to hundreds of locations, or wait for health authorities to contact them directly.
Meanwhile, new laws giving the premier the power to declare a pandemic have been introduced to parliament.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison was asked about the laws on Wednesday, and said he understands “what the people of Victoria have been through over the past two years” but it was a state issue, not a federal one.
“We’ve always tried to avoid sort of mandatory powers on everything on this, because we’ve just trusted Australians to do the right thing,” he told 3AW.
The bill includes penalties for people or businesses who fail to comply with the rules despite knowing it would lead to a “serious risk” to the health of others.
Based on the proposed penalty units, individuals could face a jail sentence of two years or a $90,000 fine, while businesses could be fined more than $450,000.
The state opposition has described the proposed laws as “the most extreme, dangerous and excessive laws ever brought before our state”.
The bill is expected to pass the lower house with support from the crossbench when it is debated on Thursday.
AAP
