Victoria records 1534 coronavirus cases 13 deaths as Australians get ready for take-off

Victoria has recorded 1534 new coronavirus cases and 13 deaths as Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed fully vaccinated Australians would be able to travel internationally again without an exemption from next week.

More than 90 per cent of Victorians have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while more than 75 per cent of those aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated.

Australians will be able to travel internationally without first seeking an exemption from November 1.Credit:Getty

There were 24,180 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine administered at state-run hubs on Tuesday, while more than 83,210 test results were processed.

There are currently 24,164 active cases across the state.

The Prime Minister used a round of early morning media appearances to confirm Australians would soon be able to pack their bags and leave Australian shores.

“I can announce today that last night the Health Minister signed off on the fact that, from November 1, Australians who are double vaccinated will be able to travel overseas,” he said on Seven’s breakfast show Sunrise.

“We are looking forward to that.”

Home Affairs had previously flagged on its website “this could start sometime in November”, after Mr Morrison flagged the imminent change on October 1.

Coles will become the first retailer to stock the 15-minute turnaround kits across 700 stores nationwide, with Woolworths to follow suit from early November.

Until this point, rapid antigen testing only occurred under clinical supervision, limiting its use to workplaces, hospitals, and aged care facilities.

Positive results will not be counted in state testing data but epidemiologists and public health experts believe the tests will help prevent transmission of the virus in workplaces, schools, and public transport.

They will cost between $10 and $30 each and have been approved for at-home use from November 1 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

With Sarah McPhee, Mary Ward and Lucy Carroll

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