Victoria records 40,127 new cases, 21 Covid deaths

There are now 946 infected people in Victorian hospitals, with 112 in intensive care and 31 on ventilators.

The state’s previous peak for Covid hospitalisations was 851 in October when the state was battling a surge in Delta infections.

However, the figure is dwarfed by the 2242 people in New South Wales who are in hospital with Covid.

More than 93 per cent of eligible Victorians are fully vaccinated and the state has a mammoth 209,715 active cases.

A total of 61,630 PCR tests were taken on Tuesday and 24,547 vaccines were administered at state hubs.

Daniel Andrews on Tuesday issued a grim warning about what would happen if the state removed isolation requirements and took a “let it rip” approach to Covid.

The Premier said Victoria’s already under-pressure hospitals could quickly buckle.

“We have some people that are gravely ill, some people in intensive care, but the vast majority of people are in hospital and not requiring that sort of care,” he told reporters.

“If we were to stop isolating people, if we were to stop testing, if we were to let this rip, we’ll finish up not with hundreds of people in general wards, we would finish up with thousands, and we all know what that means.

“It means every non-Covid case that requires hospitalisation won’t be able to get that care.”

Mr Andrews said fully vaccinated Victorians’ frustration at having to isolate was understandable.

“I know it’s deeply inconvenient, it’s frustrating to be double dose vaccinated and having to isolate at home,” he said.

He thanked people who were following the directions.

“It’s helping our health system, while it’s under enormous pressure, still cope with those who need important care.”

Originally published as Victoria records 40,127 new cases, 21 Covid deaths