Front-line workers will be the first eligible to participate in a vaccine trial gettting underway in Brazil, the world's second hardest-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic after the United States
Front-line workers will be the first eligible to participate in a vaccine trial gettting underway in Brazil, the world's second hardest-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic after the United States AFP / CARL DE SOUZA

Victoria recorded its largest single-day jump in coronavirus cases on Wednesday. This disheartening update has led the state government to push for an increase in testing sites in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.

Australia’s second most populated state confirmed 33 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. This marked nine days straight of double-digit new cases and the largest single day record since the first case in January.

In a desperate attempt to contain the virus, the state has deployed ambulances and mobile test centers to amp up testing. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said they aim to conduct over 100,000 tests in the next 10 days, Reuters reported.

“We have ambulances and other vans that will literally be at the end of people’s streets,” said Andrews.

The state has also called on the help of the Australian military. Over 1,000 personnel will assist in strictly implementing the 14-day quarantine order for travelers arriving in Victoria, while 150 will help with testing.

Testing sites have been flooded ever since the number of new COVID-19 cases surged over the past week. Hours-long queues have been recorded across the state, especially in populous cities like Melbourne. Officials, however, hope long lines will be resolved with the mobile testing centers now being deployed.

As of June 25, 3:00 p.m. AEST, Australia has to contend with 7,558 confirmed cases and 104 deaths. According to data from the Australian Department of Health, 2.2 million tests have been conducted with 716,567 being in Victoria. There are also 16 currently hospitalized due to COVID-19, with 7 being Victoria; two are in the ICU.

Despite the growing numbers, Prime Minister Scott Morrison continued to encourage states and territories to reopen their economies. He noted that the virus is “not going anywhere” and the country has to “keep forging ahead.

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