Latest numbers and testing changes: Why this is a big deal

The Victorian government has announced important changes to COVID-19 testing after revealing another day of encouraging data.

There were only 10 new daily cases in the 24 hours up to Tuesday morning in Victoria, the second-lowest tally in weeks.

In further positive news, there were no new deaths as a result of the coronavirus in the state.

And in a major development in the fight against the virus, Health Minister Jenny Mikakos revealed testing would be expanded to include everyone showing potential COVID-19 symptoms, including anyone with fever or shortness of breath.

Testing was previously prioritised for a range of workers and people aged over 65 with the symptoms, along with people aged under 65 who had shown symptom and been in contact with a confirmed case.

The changes mean authorities will have a clearer view of the virus’s spread within the community, and move closer to knowing when to lift restrictions.

“This is a big very shift from defending against the virus, to going after it,” state politics reporter James Talia explained to Tony Jones on 3AW Mornings.

Click PLAY to hear his full explanation