World 22.2 million UK 320K+ France 220K+
There is good news about a coronavirus vaccine. The Federal Government has secured a vaccine for Australians. The deal with UK drug company AstraZeneca will see the vaccine manufactured here in Australia. The vaccine is in the final stages of trials and the formula will be shared with us so we can manufacture it and distribute it domestically. This vaccine is being developed by Oxford University and is one of the front-runners among around 160 vaccines being researched around the world. It could be approved by the end of this year and potentially available in early 2021. It will be provided to all Australians at no cost.
Victoria recorded 216 new cases of COVID-19 in the past day and 12 more fatalities. The total number of people who have died from COVID-19 in Victoria is now 363. The second wave has peaked and the virus reproduction number in Australia is 0.95 now, which is another sign that the curve is flattening.