Worst day yet: 725 new cases, 15 deaths as stage three looms

It comes almost a week after 723 infections were recorded last Thursday and 627 cases were confirmed last Friday.

Sadly, there were 15 deaths in the past 24 hours: one man in his 30s, three men and one woman in their 70s, three men and three women in their 80s and three men and one woman in their 90s.

Twelve of those new deaths are linked to aged care, while the total death toll now sits at 162.

There are now 7227 active cases statewide. 1435 of those cases are linked to aged care settings.

538 Victorians are in hospital, with 42 in intensive care.

The number of active cases in Horsham dropped to six yesterday, while figures in the Wimmera and surrounds stayed steady.

IN OTHER NEWS:

There are two active cases in the Northern Grampians, and one active case in both Ararat and West Wimmera.

There are no active cases in the Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack shires.

Updated figures are expected from DHHS this afternoon.

Regional Victoria will be plunged back into stage three restrictions from midnight tonight to protect what the Premier previously coined 'jealously low' numbers of positive cases.

Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and delivery services again, while the state moves to prevent the chance for community transmission.

Some Horsham businesses have spoken out on how the re-imposed stage three restrictions will affect them.

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