Victoria takes control of three more aged care homes as 278 new Covid cases recorded

Premier Daniel Andrews reports eight more deaths and the lowest number of new coronavirus cases for more than two weeks

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Victoria's aged care crisis continues, with the department of health taking control of three more aged care homes due to Covid-19 outbreaks, as the state's premier raises the hardship payments available to those who must forgo income in order to isolate after testing.

Victoria recorded 278 new cases of Covid-19 on Thursday, the lowest number for more than two weeks, with the number of total actives cases also dipping.