Victoria today recorded just eleven new cases of coronavirus, the state’s lowest single-day increase since the middle of June. Eleven!
The Department of Health and Human Services revealed the tally on Monday morning, signalling a continual drop in confirmed cases.
Today’s figure represents a dip from Sunday’s tally of 14.
Sadly, today’s update states a further two people have died of the virus in Victoria, bringing the state’s death toll to 763.
#COVID19VicData: Yesterday there were 11 new cases & the loss of 2 lives reported. Our thoughts are with all affected.
The 14 day rolling average & number of cases with unknown source are down from yesterday as we move toward COVID Normal. Info https://t.co/eTputEZdhs #COVID19Vic pic.twitter.com/ZGICZrtHCo— Victorian Department of Health (@VicGovDH) September 20, 2020
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is expected to discuss the new case numbers some time today, amid speculation the state could fast-track metro Melbourne’s ‘second step’ out of lockdowns.
The official ‘roadmap’ out of coronavirus restrictions states some measures will be eased when the 14-day average of new daily cases rests between 30 and 50. The State Government projected “this may be achieved from 28 September.”
Today’s tally brings the 14-day average to 34.4.
Grouse news.
For metro Melbourne, that ‘second step’ will permit a maximum of five people from two households to hang around outside – with time and distance limits in place.
Some workplaces which were shuttered shortly after Stage 4 restrictions came into effect will reopen for on-site work, potentially ushering thousands of sidelined workers back into business.
That’s all well and good, but other restrictions will remain in place.
The so-called ‘singles social bubble’, which allows Melburnians who live alone to nominate one person to swing by for social visits, will not be expanded.
The city’s 9pm – 5am curfew is also slated to hang around a while longer, while Melbourne residents will still need one of four valid reasons to leave the home.
Nothing is confirmed – and, as we’re all aware, this virus is a horrible bastard – so there’s no cause to celebrate just yet. Even if the ‘second step’ comes in a little early, folks will be required to maintain a level of vigilance for the foreseeable future.
That said, it’s been a long time since Melbourne has experienced genuine optimism regarding the number of new cases. Feel free to see recent tallies as an indication that the state’s sacrifices are working.
I am, and I greatly look forward to, you know, actually seeing my bloody friends again.
