Advertisement

Covid Victoria: Hundreds arrested as state awaits roadmap out of lockdown

Victoria has recorded 507 new local cases of Covid-19 on Sunday as residents await the state's roadmap out of lockdown.

The 507 cases came from 58,619 tests conducted in the most recent 24-hour period, the state's health department said this morning.

Victoria also recorded another Covid death.

The state government is expected to release a comprehensive plan for easing lockdown restrictions at a press conference later today.

Anti lockdown protesters clash with members of Victoria Police on Saturday. Source: Getty
Anti lockdown protesters clash with members of Victoria Police on Saturday. Source: Getty

Premier Daniel Andrews had promised to provide long-awaited details, including dates for school students to return to campus and for businesses to reopen.

The roadmap is expected to commence shortly after 70 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated.

The easing of restrictions will see the 5km radius expanded expanded to 25km, The Herald Sun reports.

The controversial 9pm curfew will also be dumped.

The changes will be cautious ones, the premier has warned, and could allow some businesses to open with strict caps on patrons and social distancing mandates.

Hundreds arrested after protest violence

On Saturday, police arrested 235 people at an anti-lockdown rally in Melbourne that saw violent confrontations and officers hospitalised.

Ten police were hurt while dealing with the rally, with injuries including a broken elbow and broken nose.

Police push back protesters as violence broke out on Melbourne's streets on Saturday. Source: Getty
Police push back protesters as violence broke out on Melbourne's streets on Saturday. Source: Getty

Police said their strong response likely reduced the turnout from thousands to between 500 and 700.

Victoria Police Commander Mark Galliott said bottles and stones were thrown at officers in Melbourne, and police had to use capsicum spray and batons.

"We saw angry young men that were just there intent on violence against police," he told reporters late on Saturday.

"It's incredibly frustrating, but more than that, it really saddens me to see people acting in that way towards police."

with AAP

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.