Infectious diseases expert calls on Victorian government to ‘reassess’ COVID-19 situation

Victoria has today recorded its highest daily COVID-19 case number since the start of the month.

There were 1362 new cases reported in the state today, up from only 813 on Tuesday.

The surge comes a week after the significant relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions.

North of the border, cases in NSW have been below 200 per day since November 5.

Infectious diseases specialist at Sydney University, Professor Robert Booy, says “reopening is certainly the cause of transmission”.

“It’s a warning that the few at risk unvaccinated people should front up and get themselves protected as soon as possible,” he told Neil Mitchell.

Professor Booy says two factors explain why new case numbers in NSW are so much lower than new cases in Victoria.

“NSW never got more than 1500 a day, and that was in Victoria’s population then you should be maxing at 1100 to 1200, but you’ve been as high as 2000,” he said.

“I think complacency lethargy and having more cases when you started opening up than NSW did are both affecting what you’re experiencing.”

Professor Booy urged the Victorian government to “reassess” COVID-19 patterns over the past week.

“Look at where the transmission is happening: Is it in particular work places? Is it in particular households? In particular areas?,” he said.

“Focus in on where it’s an issue. Focus, intentional improvements in the approach could make a real difference.”

Press PLAY below to hear more about the COVID-19 situation in Victoria