SYDNEY, Oct 26 (NNN-AGENCIES) – The Australian state of Victoria recorded zero new COVID-19 infection and virus-related death today, the first time since June 9.
However, the day before, the decision to ease COVID-19 restrictions was again delayed by Premier Daniel Andrews, amid concern over a cluster outbreak, in the state’s capital city, Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
After close to three months of lock-down, residents were eagerly awaiting a move to the “third stage” of reopening, which will see limits on leaving the home removed, public gatherings of up to 10 people allowed and hospitality venues welcome back patrons.
Premier Daniel Andrews said, despite deep frustrations over the speed of the process, he could not safely make the decision for Melbourne to move to that step, until the link between 39 recent cases in the city’s north was established.
“While these cases have locations in common, it is not yet clear how they link together. It means, we may still have transmission happening where we can’t see it,” Andrews told reporters.
“For now, we need to do again what we’ve done throughout this pandemic: follow the advice of our public health experts. That means, there can be no changes to restrictions in Melbourne.”
Andrews said, health officials would spend the coming days reviewing results of thousands of tests conducted in the region, over the weekend, and insisted that the state was still on track to reopen before Nov 1.
Meanwhile, despite Melbourne lagging behind, Victorians living outside the capital were able to enjoy more freedom from tomorrow, with higher capacities on gyms, indoor pools and sport centres.
Food courts were also allowed to reopen, and live music resumed for outdoor hospitality venues.– NNN-AGENCIES
