Victoria has gone seven straight days with no new coronavirus cases nor deaths

The state has only 20 active COVID-19 cases and no active cases in aged care for the first time since 15 June.

People are seen in Centre Place in Melbourne

People are seen in Centre Place in Melbourne Source: AAP

Victoria has gone a week without any coronavirus deaths or new cases.

Friday's Department of Health and Human Services update showed the Melbourne 14-day average also dropped further, from 1.4 to 1.3.

There remain two mystery cases in Melbourne and none in regional areas.

It is the first time since February that Victoria has had such a streak of no deaths or new cases.
But Premier Daniel Andrews continues to stress that the battle is far from won.

"These numbers are very impressive ... but we can't just pretend that seven days of zeros is like a vaccine against this virus," Mr Andrews told reporters on Friday. 

"Therefore we have to keep our guard up."

Mr Andrews added Victorians will have a better idea of which restrictions might be eased throughout this month when he announces roadmap changes on Sunday.

The 25km Melbourne travel limit and the "ring of steel" separating the city from the rest of Victoria are set to end.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced the final steps out of lockdown.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Source: Getty Images
Mr Andrews said there will also be "some expansions" around bars, restaurants and cafes, plus he will announce changes the government hopes to make through the rest of November.

Comparisons with NSW are continuing to dog the Victorian government ahead of Sunday's announcement.

NSW has reported six locally acquired cases in the past week, with 68 COVID-positive people being treated, including a patient on a ventilator in intensive care.

Opposition Leader Michael O'Brien pointed to diminishing active cases as a reason for the premier to realign rules closer to those in place north of the border.

"Whether it's weddings, whether it's going to a pub, whether it's sporting events, whether it's having people over - NSW have demonstrated that they can live safely with coronavirus with very low numbers," he told reporters.

"Victoria has got even lower numbers and yet our lives are so much more locked down."
The Victorian government has already committed to lifting capacity limits at Melbourne hospitality venues to 40 patrons indoors - 10 per space - and 70 outdoors.

Mr O'Brien argues density limits should be based on the size of each venue rather than an "arbitrary number".

"That is the difference for a lot of small businesses between opening and closing, between living and dying," he said.

Victoria has only 15 active cases and no active cases in aged care for the first time since June 15.

Only two Victorians are in hospital because of the virus - neither are in intensive care - and one healthcare worker is an active case.

In the last 24 hours, 18,671 people had tests.

Victoria's hotel quarantine inquiry will deliver its interim report at midday, including recommendations for a quarantine program that would clear the way for international flights to the state for the first time since early July.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

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3 min read
Published 6 November 2020 8:54am
Updated 6 November 2020 11:49am
Source: AAP, SBS



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