Victoria has recorded 1510 new local cases of COVID-19 and another four deaths today.
The state's vaccine rate has grown to 75 per cent of people being fully vaccinated against the virus, edging closer to the 80 per cent milestone.
There are 817 Victorians in hospital with COVID-19, including 147 patients in ICU and 88 on a ventilator.
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https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1452756869223575554It comes as Victoria's Chief Health Officer will no longer have the final say over how the government handles a pandemic if new laws pass parliament.
Instead, an independent committee will be appointed to scrutinise decisions.
Under a bill to be put to Parliament today, the health minister would act as the final signatory, aimed to ensure greater accountability in government.
The independent committee will also ensure all decision-making is made public.
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The new pandemic-specific reforms, which are set to replace the state-of-emergency powers after they expire on December 15, will also target QR check-ins, ensuring greater security and privacy of data.
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The premier will now be given the authority to declare a pandemic, with the declaration having to be reviewed every three months.
The state government last week lifted harsh lockdown restrictions across Melbourne after months of keeping residents indoors.
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Premier Daniel Andrews announced that on 6pm this Friday, a raft of restrictions would be lifted for the fully vaccinated, including the ban on travel between Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Indoor venues including retail, gyms, cinemas and entertainment venues, will reopen with density limits.
Face-to-face learning for school students will be completed by November 1.
Masks will also not be required outdoors, and by the end of next month, almost all the current COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted - as long as you're vaccinated.
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