Victoria records 11,311 cases, 34 Covid deaths

There are now 851 infected people in Victorian hospitals, with 106 in intensive care and 30 on ventilators.

More than 93 per cent of eligible Victorians are fully vaccinated and the state has 72,710 active cases.

A total of 23,535 PCR tests were taken on Wednesday and 17,799 vaccines were administered at state hubs.

Deputy Premier James Merlino has detailed a “window of opportunity” the state’s children have to guard against Covid this winter.

Mr Merlino said getting kids across the state double-dosed as quickly as possible was paramount for keeping a sense of normality in schools after two years of disruptions.

“I’d like to see (vaccinations) taken up as quickly as possible,” he said.

“I’ve spoken a number of times about the really critical window of opportunity that we have in the southern hemisphere. If we get our kids double-dosed before we head into winter, that is going to be critically important, so I was really encouraged about the last couple of days.”

Mr Merlino also ruled out widespread remote learning, saying the state is now beyond that phase of the pandemic.

“Remote learning, that is an absolute last resort for a particular school who are having significant challenges with staffing for example,” he said.

“Those students who are at home, whether they’re isolating or whether it’s in relation to a very short period for that school, teaching and learning materials will be provided.

“But in terms of statewide remote learning, broad remote learning, we are beyond that.”

Originally published as Victoria records 11,311 cases, 34 Covid deaths