AMA president warns of ‘more illness, more loss of life’ from Covid as cases rise

Gatherings over Easter long weekend expected to cause further increase in infections, with Victoria already 60% up in past fortnight

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Covid-19 cases are expected to rise further across Australia after family gatherings over the Easter long weekend, amid warnings of increasing pressure on hospital staff and a possible new wave of infections.

Most states and territories have recorded consistent increases in cases over the past two months, with Victoria recording a 60% jump in cases in the last fortnight. On Friday the state reported 5,772 new cases over the previous seven-day period.

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