Victoria has recorded 1,438 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and five further deaths in its worst day since the pandemic began.

Active infections across the state have reached a new record with 11,018 people with COVID-19.

The rising case numbers, however, are no surprise and in line with projections for the months ahead. It is expected that the peak will be reached in a month, however the surge is putting a strain on the healthcare system with pressure expected to mount.

At the moment, 79.4 per cent of Veligible Victorians have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 49.1 per cent have been fully vaccinated while at least 40 per cent of children between the ages of 12 and 15 have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Extra financial support has been announced by Victorian businesses affected by COVID-19 restrictions, however this will end once 80 per cent of eligible Victorians have been fully vaccinated – a milestone expected in early November.

READ MORE: Victoria’s worst day with 950 cases as the state hits the 80 per cent vaccination milestone, with more freedoms

Reported yesterday: 1,438 new local cases and 0 cases acquired overseas.
– 34,323 vaccines administered
– 65,497 test results received
– Sadly, 5 people with COVID-19 have died

More later: https://t.co/OCCFTAtS1P#COVID19Vic #COVID19VicData pic.twitter.com/odC4gg8pEf

— Victorian Department of Health (@VicGovDH) September 29, 2021

Victorians stranded in NSW are set to return

Victorians will be allowed to return home from high risk areas in NSW today as a home quarantine trial begins today.

Those who enter the state are required to be fully vaccinated and be able to show a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before they leave NSW.

They will be able to quarantine in their homes for 14 days.