Melbourne COVID-19 Cases Decline, Health Authorities Address Borders Opening
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Australia’s coronavirus hot spot of Victoria on Monday reported two deaths from COVID-19 and 11 cases, continuing a steady downward trend in daily cases and putting the state on course to ease more restrictions.
On Sunday the state reported five deaths from the virus and 14 new cases, its lowest rise in daily infections in three months.
A hard lockdown in Melbourne has brought daily coronavirus cases down to double digits after it touched highs of 700 in early August.
“Well, it’s great news to see the numbers continue to decline today,” Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nick Coatsworth told ‘ABC’s Mews Breakfast’ on Monday morning, before reminding viewers “there’s still a way to go”.
“When Victorians come out of restrictions, particularly in Melbourne, the complacency has to be avoided,” said Dr Coatsworth.
“We know how to stop this virus, if we limit household gatherings, wash hands frequently and have the COVID safe app download and maintain physical distance and of course mask wearing being mandatory, these things will allow us to lift restrictions safely.”
New South Wales reported two new cases on Sunday, while Queensland also reported two.
When asked about if he had seen any modelling indicating when borders may open, Dr Coatsworth said “we are not using modelling specifically for that issue and it will be a matter for state and territory leaders”.
“But of course, it’s encouraging that the numbers are declining and of course that will come into decision-making for our chief health officer colleagues about borders and we look forward again to an open Australia over the summer months,” he added.
Meanwhile Victoria’s new figures put the state on track to meet a target of keeping average daily increases below 50 by September 28 when the authorities have said they may lift...
