Victoria coronavirus cases rise by 113 as state records 23 further COVID-19 deaths

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says his Government is hopeful it will be able to lay out a plan to repair the damage done by its coronavirus lockdown “soon”, as a downward trend in new cases continues.

The state has recorded 113 new cases of coronavirus and 23 deaths overnight, 22 of which are linked to aged care settings.

The deaths include a man in his 60s, one woman and four men in their 70s, six women and three men in their 80s and five women and three men in their 90s.

Today’s increase in cases is the lowest since July 5, when 74 cases were reported.

“Every Victorian can be positive about the fact these numbers are coming down,”Mr Andrews said at this morning’s press conference.

“There will come a time, hopefully soon, we’ll see those numbers in double digits and we can have with greater confidence, a really clear discussion, about what the back end of September looks like, what October, November, December looks like, pushing into 2021,” he said.

Mr Andrews said he appreciated how challenging lockdown was but said the strategy was working.

“These numbers are coming down. Of course, that shouldn’t take away from the pain and the loss that those 23 families today are dealing with. And sadly, there will be more tomorrow. That’s the nature of this wildly infectious virus,” he said.

The Government also announced more funding for family violence services with five more Orange Door hubs, which provide free support to adults, children and young people experiencing family violence.

The latest cases come as the State Government compromises on its extension of state of emergency laws.

Reason Party leader Fiona Patten told ABC News Breakfast she had been in touch with Health Minister Jenny Mikakos, who conceded a 12-month extension to the laws would never pass the Parliament and was asking crossbenchers to support a six-month extension instead.

Source: abc