Victoria records 1656 new cases of COVID-19

People are seen crossing Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne, Friday, 22 October. Photo: AAP/Daniel Pockett

29 October 2021 11:02am

Victoria recorded 1656 new cases of COVID-19 bringing active cases to 23,730. There were also 10 deaths in the last 24 hours, after 25 deaths recorded yesterday.

There are now 738 COVID-infected Victorians in the state’s hospitals, with 130 in intensive care and 85 on ventilation.

At 6pm Friday, the border between Melbourne and regional Victoria will come down and retailers will also open their doors as the state remains on course to reach its 80 per cent fully-dosed vaccination milestone.

Shopping centres, cinemas and other entertainment venues will reopen along with pubs and restaurants.

The opening comes ahead of Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup public holiday.