Victorians will receive 34 million free rapid antigen tests by the end of January.

On the same day the state released its highest number of daily COVID-19 infections, with 3,767 new cases, the state government announced it would ramp up access to home testing.

“Rapid antigen tests are the way Victorians can have confidence when living with COVID and ensure they are doing their part to keep the pressure on our hard-working hospitals,” the Minister of Health said on Wednesday. Health, Martin Foley.

“We would much rather have a national approach to what is a national, or even international, supply problem. But failing that, as usual, states have had to step in during this pandemic and fill the void left.”

The distribution of the tests is still being worked out.

The state already distributes free rapid tests in certain circumstances, including to exposed students and staff in schools.

On Wednesday, Victoria saw a massive rise in COVID-19 infections with 3,767 new cases and five deaths.

The state had 2,738 new cases and four deaths reported Tuesday.

Wednesday’s infection figure is the highest daily count the state has seen since the pandemic began.

Mr Foley acknowledged it was a difficult number to see, but it was predicted in modeling and he encouraged people to continue wearing masks, social distancing and taking as many precautions as possible.

The number of active cases in Victoria also rose to 19,994 from 17,821.

Hospitalizations also jumped from Tuesday, from 361 to 397, bringing the seven-day average to 379.

However, there are fewer people on ventilators, 28 on Wednesday compared to 33 on Tuesday.

There are 62 people actively infected with the virus in intensive care.

There were 75,132 tests processed on Tuesday, with sites continuing to come under intense pressure.

As of 9:20 a.m. Wednesday, more than 20 venues in the Melbourne metropolitan area had been closed after reaching capacity.

Australian Associated Press