Friday, April 26, 2024

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More than 150,000 Victorians tested for COVID-19

MILDURA remained on zero active coronavirus cases as the Victorian government's COVID-19 testing blitz has seen more than 150,000 people undergo testing as the state waits for restrictions to ease.

Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said on Sunday there had been an increase of 10 coronavirus cases since Saturday, bringing Victoria's total to 1487.

Ms Mikakos congratulated Victorians for getting tested in such large numbers, but gave no indication as to when restrictions would lift.

"This pandemic is not over," she said.

Ms Mikakos said through the testing blitz there were 20 cases that would potentially have gone unidentified given the lack of symptoms, and the tests would inform the easing of the lockdown.

"That will enable us to consider some options and to make some important decisions about potentially lifting restrictions," she said.

The minister said the government would be making announcements on schools and other restriction measures on Monday and throughout the week.

The Sunday Herald Sun reported schools could be reopening by the end of the month, with years 11 and 12, and prep and grade one students the first to return, but Ms Mikakos did not confirm this was the case.

A protest was held on Sunday against the lockdown rules in Victoria, with dozens of people marching at Parliament House in Melbourne.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday revealed a plan for a gradual return to normal for the nation, but it is up to the states to implement the measures.

There are still only four reasons for Victorians to leave their home: food and supplies, medical care and care giving, exercise, and work or education.

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