A dozen new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in the Latrobe Valley overnight and health authorities are concerned there will be more following an illegal household gathering at the weekend.
The area in Victoria's east reported just one new case yesterday, but the double-digit surge in cases announced in today's COVID-19 figures are spread across Traralgon, Moe, and Newborough.
Department of Health deputy secretary Kate Matson said the numbers are expected to grow over the next few days.
"A number of these cases were unfortunately infectious in the community for a number of days and we're aware of a household gathering that occurred over the weekend," she said.
The area is lagging behind the state vaccination rate with 73.3 per cent of people over 15 years of age receiving one dose and 44.9 per cent receiving two doses.
Illegal weekend gathering
It is not yet known how many of the cases came as a result of the weekend gathering or how many households were involved.
Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said the gathering was "regrettable".
"We foreshadowed that this would be a high-risk environment in which, understandably, people want to share the passion and enthusiasm of a grand final, but it came at a huge risk.
"Whether this is a case of that or not, I've not been advised."
Mayor Sharon Gibson said she was disappointed in the actions of the party goers.
Cr Gibson said the area had weathered many COVID-19 outbreaks before and it would do so again.
"We have been through this many times before and we know the drill," she said.
"Do what you're supposed to — hygiene, your mask, QR codes — the more we can eliminate areas are of concern the better we'll be."
Pop-up testing set up
In previous outbreaks the Latrobe Valley's testing capacity has been quickly overwhelmed by demand.
Ms Matson said new testing has been set up, with more to come in following days.
"We ask that if you're experiencing symptoms, or contacted as a close contact, that you do go and get tested," she said.
"A rapid response testing unit has been deployed to the Traralgon Basketball Stadium and more pop-up testing will be emerging in the coming days."
