COVID-19 cases have risen in Victoria, and there are anecdotal reports a new virus spike is underway.

Data released by the Victorian Health Department reveals there were 1677 more cases in the week to October 27 than in the week prior.

Hospitalisations are up from 143 last week to 172 this week, and COVID-19 deaths have risen from 33 last week to 51 this week.

Pharmacist at Chemist Warehouse in Preston, Carlo Salanitri, says “there has been an increase in presentations of prescriptions [for anti-virals] for COVID antivirals across our network” over the past week.

“Our pharmacists are reporting they’ve seen quite a large increase in prescription presentations,” he told Neil Mitchell.

Press PLAY below to hear what pharmacists are seeing

Neil Mitchell has also been sent an email sent to staff at Cabrini Hospital in Malvern reporting three COVID-19 cases detected in one ward and advising staff to take care.

“It’s not time to panic but it is time for advice, and if these figures are disturbing, as I’m told they are, we need advice from health officials,” the 3AW Mornings host said.

Press PLAY below to hear what the latest Health Department data shows