Victoria has reported a record 766 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases and four deaths, as the state government announces fully-vaccinated residents will be allowed to return home from New South Wales from next week.
Wednesday's caseload marks the highest daily increase in cases for the state since the start of the pandemic, surpassing the 725 recorded in August 2020.
Close to 41,000 vaccines were also administered in state-run hubs on Wednesday.
There are now 6,666 active infections in Victoria. The new deaths bring the toll from the state's latest outbreak to 20.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Thursday that Victorians in NSW who return a negative COVID-19 test and have had both doses of a vaccine can apply to return home from 30 September.
Returnees will have to quarantine at home for a fortnight.
"I know it has been a real inconvenience and challenge for those people and their families," Mr Andrews told reporters on Thursday.
It comes as authorities brace for a fourth day of anti-vaccination riots in Melbourne, and a day after the .
More than 100,000 teachers in the state, along with childcare workers, will be required to have at least one dose before 18 October and need to be fully vaccinated by 29 November, unless they have a medical exemption.
The mandate has been supported by the main teacher's unions.
The regional city of Ballarat emerged from a seven-day lockdown at midnight on Wednesday, though strict rules remain.
With Evan Young.
