Victoria PM: Numbers too high to ease Melbourne COVID restrictions early

As daily COVID-19 cases drop to their lowest in 99 days, the Victorian premier has addressed the notion of restrictions easing early in Melbourne.

On Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed 11 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours, taking the 14-day average to 34.4.

“This is a great day. We are seeing these numbers come down. This strategy is working,” he said.

Asked what this meant for restrictions, Andrews said the numbers were still too high to open up.

“If you open up today you won’t see the impacts of that for two to three weeks time. There is a lag with this,” he said.

“Everyone wants to be open yesterday, but if with do it too fast, then we simply run an unacceptable risk of losing control and all of the hard work that everyone has done.

“There are dates and there are case numbers and both serve an important purpose.

Andrews said opening up Melbourne would depend on the date on each step of the roadmap or the case average outlined, whichever comes later.

“However, if circumstances change, if we find ourselves ahead of schedule – not for one day, but in a manifest sense – common sense always guides us,” he said.

“We will look at what sits behind the numbers and then we will have to make a judgement.”

The 11 new cases make Monday Victoria’s lowest case day since nine cases were recorded on June 14.

‘This is a great day. We are seeing these numbers come down. This strategy is working.’

It is also the second day of fewer than 20 cases, with Sunday recording 14 cases and five deaths.

The 14-day average in metropolitan Melbourne is now 34.4 and there are 47 mystery cases.

Melbourne remains on track to have some restrictions eased on September 28 with the 14-day case average remaining between 30 and 50.

The next step will include having outdoor gatherings increase to up to five people from a maximum of two households.

They will be able to meet within 5km of their home for social interaction for two hours.

Childcare will open and schools will start a staggered return.

Outdoor personal training will be allowed to resume with up to two people and outdoor pool facilities will be able to reopen.