Victoria hits coronavirus milestone after incredible week
Victoria has gone a full week without recording a single new coronavirus case.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced zero cases and zero deaths in the previous 24 hours for the seventh consecutive day on Friday.
In what appeared an unlikely scenario just weeks ago as health authorities struggled to suppress the stubborn tail end of the state’s second wave, all eyes are now on Premier Daniel Andrews as he looks to ease further restrictions on November 8.
Metropolitan Melbourne’s 14-day rolling average has fallen to 1.3 while mystery cases over a two-week period remain at two.
In comparison, NSW, while it has not yet revealed its Friday numbers, recorded six locally acquired cases in the same 7-day period.
Victoria has only 20 active cases and no active cases in the once virus-riddled aged care for the first time since June 15.
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton suggested if the state could continue its trend of zero infections, Melbourne could potentially see more easing of restrictions announced on Sunday than initially planned.
And while the state’s health authorities have warned there is likely virus lurking in the community, the seven days of no new virus marks the halfway point in achieving the trigger point for Step Four of Mr Andrews’ roadmap.
On Thursday, the state announced 13,479 processed tests in the previous 24 hours, an impressive testing rate health authorities say must be maintained if Victoria is to move to a COVID-norm.
Restrictions set to be eased on Sunday
As the roadmap stands to date, metropolitan Melbourne is set to ease further restrictions from Sunday night at 11.59pm.
This includes the end to the 25km travel limit alongside the removal of the ‘ring of steel’ around Melbourne meaning people can travel to and from regional Victoria.
Hospitality venues will be able to increase patron limits to 40 indoors and 70 outdoors depending on venue size.
Twenty people will be allowed into gyms depending on density limits.
Funeral and religious gathering attendances can rise to 50 for outdoors.
Indoor pools will reopen to the public with a maximum of 20 people per venue.
Accomodation will be permitted with restrictions of group bookings.
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