The climb is slight. The day before, new case numbers totalled 996.

Yesterday, another 12 people died from COVID-19 or its health complications.

A total of 384 people are in hospital across the state, including 63 in intensive care units and 34 on ventilators.

Hopes continue to rise for an easing of restrictions in coming days, as the state nears the 90 per cent fully vaccinated milestone.

Controversy over planned new pandemic laws have seen premier Daniel Andrews hit out at some of his detractors over reported death threats.

Meanwhile, the Victorian Auditor General's Office has released a report highlighting the state's debt was expected to escalate due the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and public service wage pressures.

The report into the state's finances has forecast debt will grow by 200 per cent of revenue within the next three years, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure blowouts and spending on public servants.

Before COVID-19, borrowings as a proportion of revenue was about 60 per cent or lower but that figure is now at 128 per cent.

The government estimates debt will exceed 200 per cent of consolidated revenue by the 2024/25 financial year, which is more than three times pre-pandemic levels.

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