A worrying development given the recent number of coronavirus infections among staff and residents in the state.

Victoria’s Health Minister Jenny Mikakos says despite a significant increase in new cases yesterday, on top of the 21 reported on Wednesday – including a resident at a Council-run aged care home in outer Melbourne – the state will go ahead with the easing of restrictions scheduled for Monday.

“Obviously I’m concerned about the increasing number of cases in the past few days,” she said. “Clearly we do have community transmission in Victoria. And I just want to reiterate the message to Victorians: Take this issue seriously,” she said.

“Of course, in terms of how we go forward in the coming weeks … we will make those assessments, based on the chief Health Officers advice, as we see the numbers unfold,” she added.