Victoria records 28 new coronavirus cases as Melbourne’s 14-day average drops
Victoria has recorded its lowest increase in coronavirus cases in about three months, as the state’s 14-day averages continues to fall.
Key points:
- Melbourne’s 14-day case average is now 44.4 after dropping more than 10 per cent overnight
- Many restrictions have been lifted in regional Victoria after entering step three of its roadmap today
- The last time Victoria recorded fewer than 30 cases in a single day was June 24
The state reported 28 new infections overnight and eight further deaths with COVID-19.
Six of the eight deaths were linked to aged care settings, and the state’s coronavirus death toll now stands at 745.
Metropolitan Melbourne’s 14-day daily case average has fallen from 49.6 yesterday to 44.4 today.
Regional Victoria, which entered step three of its recovery roadmap today, now has a rolling 14-day average of 2.9.
Today is the first time since June 24 Victoria has recorded fewer than 30 new cases.
“That is a fantastic outcome and a tribute to the hard work, sacrifice and contribution every single Victorian is making,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
Fourteen of the 28 new cases were linked to existing outbreaks, Deputy Chief Health Officer Allen Cheng said.
Five are linked to “cluster of concern” in the Casey local government area, in Melbourne’s outer south-east, he said.
There are now 941 active cases across the state — a drop of 50 since yesterday — and just 33 of those infections are in regional Victoria.
Melbourne is scheduled to progress to the second step of the roadmap on September 28, as long as the daily case average remains below 50.
The total number of infections with an unknown source detected in Melbourne in the past fortnight has climbed by two overnight to 83.
In order for Melbourne to progress to step three of the roadmap on October 26, Victoria needs to record fewer than five “mystery” cases over 14 days.
The State Government has announced a $26.7 million kindergarten support package to help providers and parents during term four.
The funding includes $13 million for free session kindergartens, and $3 million to provide an additional five hours of kindergarten for vulnerable children.
Regional Victorians celebrate new freedoms
Under step three of the regional Victorian roadmap, people can leave their homes for any reason and have small gatherings in public.
Hospitality businesses are preparing to seat customers after weeks of takeaway only, and accommodation is allowed to reopen.
New South Wales has also relaxed its border rules overnight, meaning Victoria-NSW border residents with a permit can travel freely between the states.
Previously Victorians in the border zone could only enter NSW for specific reasons.
Regional Victoria will progress to the fourth step of its roadmap, scheduled for November 23, when there are no new cases for 14 days across the state.
For both Melbourne and regional Victoria, “COVID Normal” will only be triggered when there are no new cases for 28 days, no active cases statewide, and no major outbreaks in other parts of Australia.
Progressing to step three of Melbourne’s roadmap also requires a statewide 14-day daily case average below five. .
The State Government has announced a $26.7 million kindergarten support package to help providers and parents during term four.
The funding includes $13 million for free session kindergartens, and $3 million to provide an additional five hours of kindergarten for vulnerable children.
Regional Victorians celebrate new freedoms
Under step three of the regional Victorian roadmap, people can leave their homes for any reason and have small gatherings in public.
Hospitality businesses are preparing to seat customers after weeks of takeaway only, and accommodation is allowed to reopen.
New South Wales has also relaxed its border rules overnight, meaning Victoria-NSW border residents with a permit can travel freely between the states.
Previously Victorians in the border zone could only enter NSW for specific reasons.
Regional Victoria will progress to the fourth step of its roadmap, scheduled for November 23, when there are no new cases for 14 days across the state.
For both Melbourne and regional Victoria, “COVID Normal” will only be triggered when there are no new cases for 28 days, no active cases statewide, and no major outbreaks in other parts of Australia. Source : abc
