Victoria records 182 new coronavirus cases and 13 deaths as infection numbers continue to fall - putting pressure on Dan Andrews to ease lockdown
- Victoria's daily increase of coronavirus cases is below 200 for a second day
- The state reported 182 new infections and 13 additional deaths on Saturday
- There were 179 cases on Friday - the state's lowest daily increase since July 13
The embattled state of Victoria has recorded a daily increase of coronavirus cases below 200 two days in a row, as infections continue to fall.
Victoria reported 182 new COVID-19 infections and 13 additional deaths on Saturday.
The new figures come after the state reported 179 cases on Friday, its lowest daily increase since July 13.
Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton was asked what daily case numbers he wanted to see to be confident about gradually reopening the state when the lockdown ends on September 13.
Victoria reported 182 new infections and 13 additional deaths on Saturday
'I'd love us to be below 50,' Professor Sutton said on Friday.
'I would be really gratified if it we're in single figures but I'm not convinced that it will be.'
Decisions to lift restrictions would not depend only on daily case numbers but on '20-plus indicators', Prof Sutton said.
Share this article
'How long are people taking between symptom onset and getting tested? How long are they taking between symptom onset and isolating? How many close contacts do they have for each person?' he said.
'They're all part of the KPIs that we're looking at internally.'
Premier Daniel Andrews urged Victorians not to waver in their lockdown efforts, even if the daily infection numbers were encouraging.
Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) urged Victorians not to waver in their lockdown efforts, even if the daily infection numbers were encouraging
'We are all pleased to see a one in front of these additional case numbers,' Mr Andrews told reporters.
But he cautioned, 'it is an ultra-marathon and we are not halfway through'.
Melbourne's strict level four restrictions include night curfews, time limits on outdoor exercise, a 5km travel limit and widespread workforce shutdowns.
The rest of Victoria is under level three restrictions that limit social gatherings but do not limit travel distance or time spent outdoors and allow more businesses to remain open.
More to follow.
A person wearing a face mask walks past Victoria Police, Airforce and ADF personnel outside of the Melbourne Museum on Friday
