Vaccine milestone reached

Liam (15) and Sunbury 4 Less pharmacist Hinad Almir. (Damjan Janevski) 252083_02

Sunbury and Macedon Ranges residents enjoyed greater freedom over the weekend as another COVID-19 vaccination milestone was reached.

On Sunday, Victoria hit its target of more than 80 per cent of the eligible population receiving two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Retail stores were able to open their doors for the first time in months and travel restrictions between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria were removed.

Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford said the state government was now focused on improving vaccination rates for those aged 12 to 15.

“The young ones are bringing up their 80 per cent a day later. I think we’re just a smidgen under 80 per cent for the 12 and ups, but they have caught up,“ she said.

As of Sunday, more than 92 per cent of Victorian’s over the age of 16 had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The state recorded 1036 cases in the 24 hours to Sunday – the smallest single day case increase since September 28 – bringing the total number of active cases to 22,013.

Oliver Lees