Victoria has issued 1,626 COVID-19-related fines to children during the pandemic, just 97 of which have been paid.
Victorian Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said 273 of the fines issued to Victorians aged under 18 have been withdrawn or cancelled.
Follow today’s events as they unfold.
Live updates
By Nicholas McElroy
No new cases reported in Victoria
Victorian authorities received 18,825 test results. There are eight active cases across the state.
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By Nicholas McElroy
This is the live stream to Victorian press conference
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By Nicholas McElroy
Where is the link to yesterday’s COVID-19 blog?
These are a few of the key moments from yesterday:
- Business leaders said vaccines should “unlock Australia” and remove state borders
- Victoria, Queensland and South Australia all recorded no locally-acquired cases
- Queensland also marked 50 days with no community transmission
- WA Premier Mark McGowan indicated he was considering extending the state’s “controlled border” beyond the pandemic – before partially walking back his statements
By Nicholas McElroy
More than 1,500 COVID-19 fines issued to children in Victoria
By Joseph Dunstan
Victoria has issued 1,626 COVID-19 related fines to children during the pandemic, just 97 of which have been paid.
The figure was revealed by Victorian Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes in the state’s Upper House last night, as the chamber debated a bill to extend Victoria’s state of emergency.
In response to a question from the Opposition, Ms Symes said the majority of the fines were for failing to wear a face covering.
She said 273 of the fines issued to Victorians aged under 18 had later been withdrawn or cancelled.
Ms Symes said the government was seeking to include an amendment in the state of emergency legislation to allow varied fine amounts to be given to children compared to adults, in recognition of the differing impact the fines would have on the two groups.
Ms Symes said the figures were up to date until February 22.
By Nicholas McElroy
What time is Daniel Andrews speaking? From 8:00am AEDT
An early press conference to kick the day off.
The Premier is set to give an update with Mental Health Minister James Merlino. They are visiting a mental health center.
By Nicholas McElroy
Good morning and welcome to the ABC News coronavirus live blog
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