Four more cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Victoria as traces of the virus were found in Bendigo's wastewater on Wednesday night.
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The cases were all locally acquired but were all from the same household and investigations into acquisition are underway.
Active cases in Victoria now stand at 78.
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The state's vaccination blitz also continues with more than 20,000 people receiving a dose on Wednesday and another 23,679 tested for the virus.
On Wednesday night, the Health Department revealed that viral fragments were found in a "sewer sub-catchment serving suburbs north-west of Bendigo".
"This new detection is of interest as there are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases in that area," a department spokesperson said.
"While the unexpected detections may be due to someone who has had COVID-19 that is no longer infectious continuing to 'shed' the virus or it may be due to an active but undiagnosed infectious case."
The spokesperson said wastewater testing in the area was being increased and that officials would continue to monitor the situation closely.
On Wednesday, acting premier James Merlino announced restrictions in Victoria would ease further from 11.50pm on Thursday night.
Regional Victorians can still not travel to Melbourne but people can host two visitors, plus dependants, to their home each day.
Public gatherings of up to 20 people will also be permitted.
More detailed information is available at: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/wastewater-testing-covid-19.
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