Virus free streak over, five hotel cases

VICTORIA’S forty two-day COVID-free streak has come to an end, with five cases of the virus uncovered in the state’s revamped hotel quarantine system.

However no locally-acquired cases were reported for a 43rd straight day.

According to the State Government, there were 571 international arrivals in quarantine hotels on Friday, including 44 with symptoms or complex health needs at the Novotel “hot hotel” in Melbourne’s South Wharf.

Some 220 returned travellers were due to arrive late on Friday.

The five cases reported on Saturday were uncovered from 8737 tests.

Meanwhile, Business Victoria says 40,000 vouchers offered as part of the first round of the state’s Regional Travel Voucher Scheme have run out.

Holidaymakers hoping to snap up one of the Victorian government’s $200 regional tourism offers prompted the application website to crash within minutes on Friday morning, having opened at 10am.

Those intending to spend two or more nights in regional Victoria between Saturday and 22 January were able to apply.

Business Victoria said the website received 800,000 visits by Friday at 5pm.

Eligible destinations under the $28 million scheme, announced as part of a $300 million State budget tourism package last month, include the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Bellarine Peninsula.

“If those $200 vouchers mean people stay an extra night, maybe go to a local pub or restaurant. That’s all about wages and spending and investment,” Premier Daniel Andrews said on Thursday.

Victorian residents can apply even if their travel has already been booked.

While the first round of vouchers is exhausted, a second application window will open for trips between 27 January and 1 April. A third round will be available between 6 April and 31 May.

Opposition tourism spokeswoman Cindy McLeish labelled the launch a “flop”.

-AAP