Victoria goes another day without COVID-19 deaths as it records 14 new cases

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews addresses the media in Melbourne.

Victoria has reported 14 new cases of COVID-19 and recorded another day with no deaths.

The data released on Saturday showed the state’s latest 14-day rolling case average across Melbourne as 9.5 and 0.4 in regional Victoria.

Australia’s coronavirus death toll stands at 897 and 809 people have died from the infection in Victoria.

As the number of new diagnoses plateau, and the state posts a third day without deaths, Premier Daniel Andrews is set to appear at his 100th consecutive press conference.

The first day of his media marathon was 3 July and the state reported 66 fresh cases.

Since then the number of daily cases has exceeded 700 at times. Three months on, cases have decreased but restrictions on daily life remain.

Strong hopes of an easing of restrictions on 19 October, a date flagged by the premier in previous weeks, have dissipated.

Growing outbreaks linked to Chadstone Shopping Centre, a cafe in Kilmore and Box Hill hospital have emerged.

Melbourne needs a fortnight average of five daily cases and no more than five mystery cases during the same period, to trigger the next step out of lockdown.

The city’s current average is 9.5.

Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said on Friday the plateau was frustrating but he remained upbeat about the overall trend.

“We will get on top of these outbreaks, we always do,” he said.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction’s restrictions on gathering limits. 

If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. 

SBS,  AAP