Victoria has plans to reduce restrictions as COVID-19 cases hit a new national high of 2297 new cases and 11 deaths. State Premier Daniel Andrews announced that given the state’s vaccination target of 70 percent is projected to be met ahead of target, on Oct 22 rather than Oct 26, health restrictions may be reduced one week earlier, once vaccination targets are met. Further, although the state’s new cases have set a new record, these numbers are still within the model used to assess COVID-19 risk. “Once we’re open, sometime next week—because we’re going to be hitting 70 percent sometime next week–the case numbers become a lot less relevant,” Andrews stated. “Except for the people who are unvaccinated, who end up getting it, will be linked and will directly contribute to the number of people who end up in hospital.” Victorian’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has also confirmed on …