Victoria has recorded 1,466 new cases of coronavirus with hospitals bracing for a continual surge of patients as COVID cases double in the past fortnight.
Another eight people have died from the virus.
There were 68,509 test results conducted yesterday and 36,383 vaccine doses administered.
Despite lockdowns, restrictions and growing vaccination numbers, hospitals are struggling to cope with growing infections.
The Royal Melbourne Hospital has increased its ICU capacity, creating another 14 ICU beds for non-COVID patients, in addition to 20 beds for COVID-19 patients in an air-sealed environment.
There are almost 700 patients battling COVID-19 in Victorian hospitals, with the number of severe cases more than doubling in the past fortnight.
New South Wales has recorded 360 new COVID-19 cases as the state continues the march out of lockdown.
There were also five deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
So far, 74 per cent of over-16s have had two doses of the vaccine across the state.
Scenes of joy abounded in Sydney yesterday as families and friends reunited, with home visits, larger outdoor gatherings, and pub and restaurant visits all back on the table for the fully vaccinated.
There was some frustration with people having difficulty getting into venues.
The ServiceNSW app that will allow people to check in and prove their vaccination status simultaneously is still about a week away, so checking in is currently a two-step process.
