Victoria reported no new cases of COVID-19 for the first time since 9 June, while continuing its streak of seven days with no new deaths reported.
This meant the state’s death toll stayed steady at 817.
The number of active cases in Victoria was 91, with four (4%) of these linked to aged care.
The 14-day rolling average of new cases dropped to 3.6 in metropolitan Melbourne and 0.2 in regional Victoria, down from 7.2 and 0.5 reported at the same time last week.
And there were seven Victorians in hospital, with none in ICU.
Retail and hospitality to reopen – “This is a day every Victorian should be very, very proud of.”
In his daily briefing, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed a major easing of restrictions, with retail and hospitality industries given the green light to reopen from 11:59pm Tuesday.
Melbourne will move out of lockdown and into the third stage out of lockdown with a range of restrictions lifted – however the 25-kilometre travel limit will remain in place.
The Premier also flagged a further easing of restrictions on 8 November, including:
- Lifting the metropolitan Melbourne regional border
- Lifting the 25-kilometre travel limit
- Opening gyms, pools and fitness studios with limitations
- Further easing of restrictions in restaurants, hotels, cafes and bars
- Further easing of restrictions for faith gatherings
- Further easing of restrictions for funerals
- Accommodation will reopen
State must remain ‘COVID-safe’ until a vaccine
While thanking Victorians for their efforts, the Premier said the state would continue to take measures to deal with the virus until a vaccine is developed.
“Until a vaccine comes, there is no normal, there is only COVID-normal,” he said.
“So much has been given to build this precious thing and all of us need to make sure that we honour it and value it and protect it (with) all the choices we make every single day.”
“This is a day every Victorian should be very, very proud of.”
