Victoria has had two COVID-19 deaths, taking the state toll to 763 and the national figure to 851.
There were only 11 new cases as Melbournes 14-day case average dropped to 34.4, while the regional figure came in at 1.6.
This is the lowest daily COVID-19 case number since June 16, when it was nine – before the start of the states second wave.
The 14-day average for cases with an unknown source is down to 47 for Melbourne and there have been none in regional Victoria.
The decline in case numbers is a “cause for great optimism and positivity right across metropolitan Melbourne”, Premier Daniel Andrews said on Sept 20 after 14 cases were reported.
“That is proof positive beyond any question that this strategy is working,” he said.
Melbournes daily average is well below the target of 50 to lift some virus restrictions later this month.
Andrews said the path towards easing rules was being constantly reviewed.
“Theres no good opening up too early. Theres no good letting our frustrations get the better of us,” he said.
“All that will mean is that everything metropolitan Melbourne has given, everything that everyone has done to produce these low, but still not low enough, numbers will count for nothing.”
Optimism has risen among Melbourne small businesses, with a survey showing 35 percent now believe the Victorian economy will be better in one years time.
That compares with just 17 percent in August believing the states economy will improve by then, the latest Sensis Business Index showed.
More also think the national economy will mend, with 26 percent saying it will be better in a year compared with 14 peRead More – Source
