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Coronavirus: Victoria records just two daily cases, zero deaths

Victoria’s downward trend in case numbers continued on Friday, recording just two cases in the previous 24 hours.

It is the lowest number of cases since June 9 and brings relief to Melburnians, providing further evidence health authorities have managed to suppress the stubborn tail end of the second wave.

Friday is the third consecutive day the daily number has been in the single digits and drives down metropolitan Melbourne’s 14-day rolling average to 8.7.

Victoria has recorded just two cases in a 24-hour period – its best result in over four months. Source: Getty
Victoria has recorded just two cases in a 24-hour period – its best result in over four months. Source: Getty

However health authorities will be concerned with Melbourne’s mystery cases over a 14-day period which have risen to 17.

The state’s death toll remains at 816 after another day of zero deaths.

A testing blitz in the regional town of Shepparton continues on Friday after three cases were triggered by a truck driver who only this week declared his September 30 trip to the town to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Anticipation grows for premier’s Sunday announcement

On Sunday, Premier Daniel Andrews will announce the next set of restrictions that are to be eased for metropolitan Melbourne, with the state government moving towards scrapping the city’s five-kilometre travel restriction as pressure over the rule mounts.

Melbourne pubs are calling on the state government to give them a viable reopening policy as they struggle with growing financial debts.

Mr Andrews has said he will be unable to take the roadmap’s Step Three in its entirety from Monday with its trigger points not being met.

Less than five mystery cases over a 14-day period and a rolling 14-day average below five cases was the outlined requirement of the roadmap. Mr Andrews has since said the roadmap will be revised.

Among the restrictions to be eased as part of Step Three are allowances for the hospitality industry to have outdoor dining.

Australian Hotels Association Victoria president David Canny called on the premier to push on with the roadmap to save the industry.

"Pubs are on the edge of a debt cliff and we call on the Victorian government to immediately put into effect an 'earlier exit strategy' for Victoria's pubs as their financial plight reached its worst on record," he said.

The association wants pubs open in some form for the October 24 AFL grand final.

Mr Canny said no Victorian regional pubs had recorded any infections since reopening.

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