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Covid Victoria: Positive signs as state records 12 new cases

Victoria's lockdown is having the desired effect with the state recording 12 new daily Covid-19 cases on Saturday.

All 12 new cases are linked to known sources and 10 of the 12 were in quarantine for their entire infectious period, the Victorian Department of Health said.

The state conducted just short of 40,000 Covid tests in the past 24 hours.

People wearing face masks are seen crossing a road in Melbourne during the state's fifth lockdown during the pandemic. Source: AAP
People wearing face masks are seen crossing a road in Melbourne during the state's fifth lockdown during the pandemic. Source: AAP

On Friday, Premier Daniel Andrews called for NSW to establish a "ring of steel" around Sydney as it struggles to contain the spread of the infectious Delta strain, which spilled into Victoria and triggered the state's fifth lockdown.

"Sydney is on fire with this virus, and we need a ring of steel around Sydney," he told reporters.

The Victorian government installed a police guard around Melbourne during its lengthy second lockdown in 2020 to protect other areas from virus spread.

While Mr Andrews said he would raise the subject at a National Cabinet meeting on Friday, there is no indication NSW will bring in tougher control measures on top of the already strict lockdown rules for parts of Sydney.

Speaking after the meeting, the Prime Minister, who initially praised the state premier for her reluctance to enter lockdown, said a so-called ring of steel approach was unnecessary.

"There is nothing light about the lockdown in Sydney, I can assure you. My family are in it," he said.

There is currently 170 active cases of coronavirus in Victoria.

The state's lockdown was initially scheduled to end by midnight on Tuesday but has since been extended until 11:59pm on July 27.

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