Victoria’s new cases surpassed 500 recording its largest daily COVID-19 tally during Lockdown 6.0.

There were 514 new cases overnight, bringing the state’s active cases to 4370.

However the state also administered 41,758 vaccinations, meaning that Victoria is likely to hit the 70 per cent vaccination target today (from 68.3 per cent of Victorians who had received their first jab on Wednesday)  – a milestone which should allow for more freedoms.

Reported yesterday: 514 new local cases and 0 cases acquired overseas.
– 41,758 vaccines administered
– 61,961 test results received

More later: https://t.co/OCCFTAtS1P#COVID19Vic #COVID19VicData [1/2] pic.twitter.com/AV5ugLP8J6

— Victorian Department of Health (@VicGovDH) September 15, 2021

Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews will announce a minor easing of restrictions after ministers and health officials met on Wednesday night and are meeting again this morning.

New freedoms will include more Melburnians gathering, playing sport and meeting outdoors, whereas the travel bubble could be lifted from 5km to 10km and the current 9pm curfew may be lifted. Exercise time limits could extend to three hours per day. Inspections of unoccupied premises could be permitted.

READ MORE: Victoria reaches 60 per cent vaccination target earlier than predicted

Victoria’s Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said that people should be given a break from “relentless lockdowns”

“We need to find more ways to allow people to get exercise and limited social contact. With so many people doing it really tough, it’s vital for their mental and physical health.”

Bracing for protest

On Saturday, action is being taken to prevent protestors from heading to the Melbourne CBD with all public transport services being diverted away from the city and hard barriers set up at key access points.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said that all will be done to “prevent access to the city”.

“This is not a place where anyone should be coming,” he said.

The lockdown will take place from 8am to 2pm Saturday following similar protests which took place on 21 August, dubbed the city’s most violent in 20 years and resulting in 21 officers being injured.

There are fears that the protest could be a “super-spreader event”.