Victoria Records 510 New COVID Cases As Jab Passport Trial Ready To Launch

Victoria recorded 510 new COVID cases and one death on Friday, as people in metro Melbourne and Ballarat prepare for modest changes to restrictions.

Of the new infections 124 have been linked to known outbreaks, leaving 386 a mystery to be solved.

An impressive 43,993 COVID vaccines were administered at state-run sites on Thursday, delivering Victoria it's first milestone of 70 per cent first-dose target.

Meantime, hope is on the horizon for Melbourne businesses with a new plan to trial vaccine passports in the coming weeks.

The trial will be the first step in reopening hospitality, venues, the arts, and entertainment sector in a bid to reinvigorate the city's hardest hit industries throughout the pandemic.

Next Tuesday, City of Melbourne councillors will vote to lobby the state government on the introduction of a "health pass system" allowing fully vaccinated people to attend selected venues across the city.

Melbourne lord mayor Sally Capp said that "nowhere in Australia has been hit harder by devastating lockdowns than Melbourne, and our businesses should be the first in line to reopen safely. They’re prepared to do whatever it takes"

Designed to rolled out only as a temporary measure, Councillor Roshena Campbell has said the trial "will get our businesses back on their feet sooner while we continue to work towards vaccination targets”.

Staff at the participating businesses would also be required to be fully vaccinated.

It comes as people across Melbournians’ get ready for their first taste of freedom after languishing in their 6th lockdown.

From Saturday fully vaccinated people will be able to gather in groups of 5 from two households, while people who have had one dose can gather with one other person.

Other small freedoms include the restricted movement rule will be extended from 5km to 10km, while time permitted for exercise and now outdoor social interaction will increase from two hours a day to four hours. Outdoor gyms, skate parks and communal exercise equipment will also be reopened.

Meanwhile, Premier Daniel Andrews is set to announce a detailed roadmap out of lockdown this Sunday.

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