Victoria records 1,656 new Covid cases and 10 deaths as major restrictions ease at the state’s 80 per cent fully vaxxed mark - as NSW sees 268 infections Victoria has recorded 1,656 new locally-acquired Covid cases in past 24 hours Death toll from state's latest outbreak now at 282; there are 23,730 active cases By Charlie Coë For Daily Mail Australia and Australian Associated Press Published: 23:25 BST, 28 October 2021 | Updated: 23:28 BST, 28 October 2021 Viewcomments Victoria has recorded 1,656 new locally-acquired Covid cases and 10 deaths from the virus, as the state prepares for further restrictions to ease. The Victorian health department on Friday confirmed the figures, which bring the total number of active cases in the state to 23,730 and the death toll from the latest Delta outbreak to 282. NSW meanwhile recorded 268 new infections and two deaths overnight. Diners eat outside at a cafe in St Kilda on October 23. Victoria has recorded 1,656 new locally acquired Covid cases and 10 deaths from the virus There are 738 people in hospital in Victoria, with the seven-day average at 773. Of those, 130 are in intensive care with 85 on a ventilator. There were 70,180 tests processed and 20,361 Covid-19 vaccine doses administered at state-run hubs on Thursday. About 78 per cent of Victorians aged over 16 are now fully vaccinated. It is expected the state will hit its 80 per cent vaccination target at the weekend but restrictions will ease regardless at 6pm on Friday. At that time, the border between Melbourne and the regions will come down, masks will no longer need to be worn outdoors, indoor entertainment venues, gyms and retail can reopen for fully vaccinated patrons, and capacity limits will increase for restaurants, pubs and cafes. Outdoor events including weddings and funerals will be able to host 500 fully vaccinated people, while outdoor community sport can resume. With greater capacity and intrastate travel allowed, tourism-starved regional operators are preparing for a busy weekend. Bells Beach Brewing co-owner Adam Smith expects his Torquay and Geelong venues to be full and says a group of 30-odd people from Melbourne are making the trip. "It will almost be like a teary reunion on Saturday when they come in," he said. Traffic is expected to be heavy out of Melbourne on Friday afternoon. Police say they will exercise some discretion if people decide to leave the city before 6pm. Meanwhile, Victoria is also tightening medical exemption rules for COVID-19 vaccinations from 6pm on Friday, in a crackdown on people doctor shopping and pressuring GPs. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility