Victoria's COVID-19 cases surge but hospitalisations drop as Boxing Day Test given green light

Victoria has recorded a 739 case surge in daily COVID-19 numbers but the state's hospitalisation rate has dropped.

In the past 24 hours the state detected 2738 new cases, a distinct spike from yesterday's 1999 cases.

An additional four people died with the virus overnight.

Despite the climb in detected cases, seven fewer Victorians are being treated in hospital for the virus with the state currently caring for 361 residents.

More than 66,500 tests were conducted across the state.

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Earlier today the Boxing Day Test was given the green light to resume play as normal at 10.30am.

Two staff and two family members linked to the English cricket team have tested positive for COVID-19.

Play resumed following negative rapid antigen tests yesterday, but both sides were in limbo after taking a PCR test.

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But all players have tested negative for the virus, it was confirmed this morning, and play will resume at 10.30am AEDT.

Victoria recorded 1999 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, along with three deaths.

Almost 20,000 people across the state were in isolation as close contacts as of yesterday.

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Testing lines have been swollen in the state, with wait times of up to three hours even from opening.

However, the Victorian government is considering an overhaul to its isolation rules, with the potential for home rapid antigen tests to clear people from lengthy quarantine, according to The Age.

If it does go ahead, people who have been exposed to COVID-19 in Victoria and are asymptomatic can get cleared with an at home rapid test.

If they test positive, they will have to go for a PCR test, as will household contacts.

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