Victoria has recorded 1,510 new Covid-19 cases and four deaths as the state continues to revel in its newfound freedoms.
Tuesday's new cases were slightly up from Monday's recording of 1,461 cases, which which was the lowest number since October 6.
There are 817 people in hospital, 15 more than Monday, with the seven-day average at 789. Of those, 147 are in intensive care and 88 on a ventilator.
Victoria recorded 1,510 new Covid-19 cases and four deaths on Tuesday (Pictured: Shoppers seen promenading in Moonee Ponds)
28,232 Covid-19 vaccine doses were administered on Monday and about 75 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and over are now fully vaccinated (Pictured: A nurse administering a Covid-19 vaccine)
The latest deaths take the toll from the current outbreak to 234.
There were 55,679 tests processed and 28,232 vaccine doses administered at state-run hubs on Monday.
About 75 per cent of Victorians aged 16 and over are now fully vaccinated.
The latest figures come as the state government is set to introduce new laws to parliament that would allow the health minister to make public health orders for the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state government is set to introduce new laws to parliament that would allow the health minister to make public health orders for the COVID-19 pandemic (Pictured: People gathering along the pier at St Kilda Beach)
Under the changes, Victoria's premier will have the power to 'declare' a pandemic and extend it in three-month blocks for as long as considered necessary.
The Public Health and Wellbeing (Pandemic Management) Bill 2021 will be introduced to the lower house as parliament resumes on Tuesday, several MPs have confirmed to AAP.
Under the laws, the health minister will be provided 'broad powers to make pandemic orders' on the chief health officer's advice, bringing Victoria in line with NSW and New Zealand where the health minister is directly accountable to parliament.
Under the changes, Victoria's premier will have the power to 'declare' a pandemic and extend it in three-month blocks for as long as considered necessary (Pictured: Customers browsing at a shop in Melbourne)
An independent oversight committee will review public orders and their impact on human rights, while public health advice will need to be made public.
The laws also introduce safeguards around protecting contact tracing and QR code information, while an aggravated offence will be created to 'deter … the most egregious pandemic-related behaviours'.
Court-imposed penalties will be introduced to stop businesses receiving commercial benefit after breaching a pandemic order.
The bill aims to improve transparency in pandemic decision-making, with decision-makers to be accountable to parliament and the community, its summary said.
The laws also introduce safeguards around protecting contact tracing and QR code information (People enjoying outdoor dining in Melbourne)
Court-imposed penalties will be introduced to stop businesses receiving commercial benefit after breaching a pandemic order (People enjoying dining out at cafes along Degraves street in Melbourne)
