Those aged from 15 to 64 made up almost three-quarters of all those tested throughout the blitz.
People aged between 15 and 44 – the group deemed most likely to work in the hospitality sector – accounted for 39 per cent of all tests.
The government would not comment on plans to allow hospitality venues to reopen, or how many patrons would be allowed per venue, but The Sunday Age understands that a staged opening could begin safely in the next month.
Chris and Marta Yates celebrate their wedding anniversary at Aqua Dining as restaurants reopen after restrictions eased in NSW. Credit:James Brickwood
It is understood an announcement will be made soon about the next stage of easing restrictions.
On Saturday, Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said Victoria had exceeded its targets for testing but encouraged Victorians to continue to get tested if they developed symptoms.
“We set ourselves a target of 50,000 from Monday to the end of this week,” she said. “I’m pleased to report we have already exceeded that target.”
By close of business on Friday, more than 56,000 swabs had been collected, Ms Mikakos said.
Many cafes and restaurants have remained open in Victoria but they are allowed to serve takeaway only.
Restaurants and pubs have begun reopening in other states, including NSW where they are permitted to serve only 10 seated customers at a time.
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NSW gaming facilities remain closed but table service for alcohol with food is allowed.
Under the first stage of reopening announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, cafes and restaurants must maintain social distancing of four square metres per customer. However, each state has been allowed to choose when it introduces individual aspects of the national plan and Victoria has been most cautious in lifting restrictions.
Under the second stage of the national plan cafes and restaurants will be allowed to seat up to 20 people while maintaining the same density per person as the first stage.
While pubs are to remain closed under the first two stages there will be exceptions for restaurants and cafes within these venues.
The state government has faced repeated criticism from the opposition over its refusal to lift restrictions more quickly.
Victoria was also the last state to lay out a plan for students to return to face-to-face learning.
Across Victoria there have been 158 cases of community transmission since testing began, an increase of four between Friday and Saturday.
Community transmission of the virus is among the biggest concerns for health authorities because it means a positive test cannot be traced back to a returned traveller or another recent confirmed case.
Benjamin is a state political reporter
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https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMidmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRoZWFnZS5jb20uYXUvbmF0aW9uYWwvdmljdG9yaWEvcHVicy1yZXN0YXVyYW50cy1hbmQtY2FmZXMtc2V0LXRvLXJlb3Blbi13aXRoaW4td2Vla3MtMjAyMDA1MTYtcDU0dG1kLmh0bWzSAXZodHRwczovL2FtcC50aGVhZ2UuY29tLmF1L25hdGlvbmFsL3ZpY3RvcmlhL3B1YnMtcmVzdGF1cmFudHMtYW5kLWNhZmVzLXNldC10by1yZW9wZW4td2l0aGluLXdlZWtzLTIwMjAwNTE2LXA1NHRtZC5odG1s?oc=5
2020-05-16 14:03:46Z
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