THE federal government has announced changes to Australia's border with nine southern African countries.

It came after the World Health Organisation identified a new coronavirus variant.

Read more: Australia changes flights, border restrictions with southern Africa in light of new Omicron variant

Noon

THERE have been 18 new COVID-19 cases recorded in Greater Bendigo.

The new infections brings the total number of active cases in the region to 118.

Data from the Department of Health, which was released on Saturday, showed the new cases were listed in the 3551, 3550, 3555, and 3556 postcodes.

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There were also two new COVID-19 cases recorded in the Loddon Shire. There were also seven new cases in the Campaspe Shire and six new cases in the Macedon Ranges.

There were zero new cases recorded in the Mount Alexander, Gannawarra, and Central Goldfields shires.

Earlier

VICTORIA has recorded 1252 new coronavirus cases as Greater Bendigo's total numbers hover above 100.

Another five people have died statewide.

A total of 299 people were in hospital with COVID-19, while 42 people were receiving intensive care and 22 patients were on ventilators.

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Another 57,292 tests were performed at state run clinics. About 90 per cent of the state is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Another 10 COVID-19 cases were recorded on Friday, with a total of 101 cases being managed.

The department of health is expected to release the municipality's latest numbers later on Saturday.

The cases come as the World Health Organisation identifies a new coronavirus variant.

The 'Omicron' variant first emerged in Botswana and has been detected in South Africa, Hong Kong, Israel, and Belgium.

It has double the number of mutations as the Delta variant that sparked a third wave of outbreaks and lockdowns in Australia this year.

- With the Australian Associated Press

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