Cases continue to climb as outbreaks prompt concerns

Sadly, another five deaths were recorded.

A total of 18,342 people across the state currently have COVID-19.

About 39,861 vaccine doses were administered on Saturday along with over 74,000 tests.

It comes as the Department of Health Deputy Secretary Kate Matson confirmed Victoria would no longer require secondary close contacts to isolate.

Ms Matson said with Victoria is no longer chasing COVID zero, forcing secondary contacts to isolate was no longer necessary.

On Saturday, three new coronavirus cases were recorded in the Greater Bendigo region.

Data from the Department of Health showed there were one new case in the 3550 postcode, along with 3555 and 3556 postcodes.

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There were a total of 14 active COVID-19 cases in Greater Bendigo on Saturday.

An additional three cases were also recorded in the Macedon Ranges Shire, along with a new case in the Campaspe region.

There were zero new cases in the Gannawarra Shire and the Mount Alexander Shire.

On Friday, Bendigo Health confirmed there were four patients in its COVID-19 ward, none were in ICU.

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