Victorian health officials confirmed on Thursday evening a second person had tested positive to COVID-19.

The new case is a workmate of the person who tested positive to coronavirus after returning to Melbourne from Sydney last weekend.

"The first case is a man in his 60s who attended a social event at his daughter's house in West Hoxton last Saturday, which was at the time a Sydney green zone, and then returned to Melbourne on a Jetstar flight (flight number JQ523 that departed Sydney at 5.30pm) on Sunday evening," officials reported in the chief health officer update for the evening.

"The flight landed at Melbourne Airport Tullamarine at 7.05pm at Terminal 4.

"He developed symptoms late on Tuesday night at his home in Oakleigh, where he lives alone, and was tested on Wednesday. He is currently unwell and is being supported by public health officials. He lives within an apartment complex and a risk assessment is being undertaken. Support will be provided to other residents by the public health team.

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"Primary close contacts of the case are being identified and contacted and a workplace exposure site linked to this case, a dry-cleaning business in Sandringham, has been identified and posted online.

"This case's only workplace close contact has received notification of a positive test late this afternoon. His family has been isolated and are being tested, and urgent public health actions are underway to understand the case's movements.

"QR code data from this business is being analysed and close contacts are being identified and contacted by public health officials with advice. The business has been closed for deep cleaning.

"If any other exposure sites are identified linked to this case, they will be published on the Department's exposure site webpage at: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites

"Genomic testing is underway on this new case to determine the COVID-19 variant but given the epidemiological patterns in Sydney, public health officials are taking a conservative approach regarding whether this new case is the Delta variant."

1.30pm

Health Minister Martin Foley has confirmed a new case of COVID-19 has been identified in Melbourne this morning.

Mr Foley said the man in his 60s was in Sydney visiting his daughter.

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His daughter lived in a region of Sydney which was classified as a 'green zone' and retired to Melbourne on Sunday.

Late Tuesday he started to show symptoms, and got tested on Wednesday.

Acting Premier James Merlino said despite the case, the restrictions would be eased as planned from midnight.

"I can confirm that these restrictions will be in place across Victoria as we announced from 11:59pm tonight," he said.

"This is a cautious and positive step forward tomorrow, but it does come with obligations and responsibilities all of us, all Victorians.

"The steps we need to take to help us stay safe are now more than ever."

Mr Merlino urged Victorians against complacency.

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"You need to check in everywhere, every time...When you can, get vaccinated," he said.

"I had my second dose earlier this morning at the exhibition buildings, the second Pfizer dose and I encourage everyone, if you are due for your second dose, make a booking and get vaccinated.

"The best thing people can do this even with the mildest of symptoms, get tested, check in everywhere, every time, and when you are eligible and you for your second dose in particular, please get vaccinated."

Mr Merlino also announced further border changes for New South Wales.

"We've been closely monitoring the situation in New South Wales since the beginning of this new outbreak," he said.

"Yesterday, at 1am, red zones came into effect in seven local government areas in New South Wales which is Sydney, Waverley, Woollahra, Canada Bay, Bayside, inner West, and Randwick, plus an orange zone in Wollongong.

"I announce today that new red zones will now come into effect from 1am tomorrow morning for all of Greater Sydney and Wollongong on the advice of the acting Chief Health Officer."

Earlier

VICTORIA has recorded one new locally acquired COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours to midnight.

The new locally-acquired case is a known primary close contact who has been quarantining throughout their infectious period, health officials said.

Three new cases were recorded in hotel quarantine.

The state is set to lift restrictions further even as other parts of Australia knuckle down with their own outbreaks.

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Bendigo performers have welcomed the changes, which come just in time for the launch of a host of musicals and other arts projects.

Under the changes, Melbourne and regional Victoria are moving to almost identical rules including changes that allow 15 visitors into homes.

Up to 50 people will be able to gather outdoors statewide, while the cap on funerals and weddings has been boosted to 300 guests.

With a bumper weekend of sports events on the calendar, Victorians can return to Melbourne stadiums with half-capacity crowds up to 25,000 people.

Authorities are still urging people to get tested if they have symptoms. Over 22,800 Victorians followed that advice on Wednesday, while 17,803 people got a vaccination.

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Victoria shut its borders this week to seven Sydney municipalities as an outbreak in that city continued.

Another 23 active cases were recorded in 24 hours, NSW authorities revealed on Wednesday.

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