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Aussie states record zero new coronavirus cases for first time in over a month

Queensland has recorded zero coronavirus cases in a 24-hour period for the first time in 42 days.

March 9 was the last time Queensland was able to boast such a statistic, prompting praise from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

“This is an absolutely tremendous effort,” she told reporters on Monday morning.

She said the landmark moment suggested if the state was able to maintain such low figures, restrictions could be lifted “over the coming weeks”.

She stressed Queenslanders’ hard work must not ease up, and reminded people to continue social distancing.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has praised residents for their compliance with social distancing measures. Source: AAP
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has praised residents for their compliance with social distancing measures. Source: AAP

Nearly 75 per cent of the 1019 cases in the state have now recovered from COVID-19.

No new cases for Western Australia

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan also proudly on Monday announced his state had no new cases for the past 24 hours. It was the first time since March 12, Western Australia had no new cases.

“This is an outstanding result, one we can all be very proud of,” McGowan said.

“Western Australia’s response has been a standout, the strict measures, the tough border closures and regional travel restrictions have played a major role in the success.”

South Australia announced on Monday a third consecutive day with no new cases.

“We are doing extraordinarily well, three fantastic days for our state but this is not a time to take a foot off the brake,” SA Premier Steven Marshall said.

The progress comes after the ACT and Northern Territory also recorded zero cases over the weekend.

The Northern Territory has now had 14 days of no cases – the maximum number of days the World Health Organisation says it takes the virus to incubate and symptoms to show.

There are growing calls for restrictions to be eased in some areas of Australia that are performing better than others.

NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles said the territory is in a “unique position” as is “one of the safest places in the world” currently.

However she stressed: “We want to keep it that way.”

Leaders eyeing restriction lifts as virus nears eradication

Professor Archie Clements, an epidemiologist at Curtin University, told Yahoo News Australia he believes the nation’s current trajectory will mean the virus will be eliminated nationwide.

“What we’re heading for is extinction of the epidemic through suppression,” he said.

On Monday, Victoria announced just one additional case, bringing its total to 1329. In the last five days, there has been just 30 cases confirmed in the state.

Premier Daniel Andrews addressed the media on Monday, saying Victorians must continue their good work.

He did suggest though that the current results would mean the state could consider the easing of restrictions in the coming weeks and months.

“Then we can potentially make changes,” he said.

Mr Andrews revealed that when those first changes do occur, they won’t involve restrictions involving cafes, restaurants and pubs.

“The risk [easing those restrictions] will be far greater than any reward,” he said.

NSW recorded a further six cases, with the national total now standing at 6,619.

There have been 72 deaths in Australia from coronavirus.

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