Vic has 1245 COVID-19 cases, six deaths

| December 21, 2021

Victoria has reported 1245 new COVID-19 cases and six deaths, as testing sites continue to be inundated in the lead up to Christmas.

The health department confirmed on Tuesday the state is now managing 13,355 active infections.

A total of 392 patients are in hospital, including 73 who are actively infected with the virus and in intensive care, with 43 on ventilators.

The seven-day hospitalisation average has risen by three to 390.

Testers processed 66,888 results in the 24 hours to Tuesday morning, while 14,483 people were vaccinated in state-run hubs.

At least 15 testing sites were temporarily closed at 9am after reaching capacity, including the Bourke Street walk-in and Albert Park drive-through. 

Victorian MP Ben Carroll said Acting Premier James Merlino and Health Minister Martin Foley were working “around the clock” to find solutions to cope with the influx of people needing tests before Christmas.

“They are looking at more resources in terms of extending hours,” he told reporters on Monday.

The state government has increased testing capacity by about 55 per cent since October, with around 260 sites now operating across Victoria.

On Monday night, Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp announced a testing site will open at Town Hall from 10am on Tuesday to January 24 in response to demand.