Breaking

'The numbers speak for themselves': America's top coronavirus expert heaps praise on Victoria for its pandemic response
Oct 27, 2020 1 min, 35 secs

Speaking on a University of Melbourne panel with Doherty Institute director Sharon Lewin, Dr Fauci said Australia had done “quite well” in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Victoria has had two COVID-19 deaths and two new cases as Melbourne emerges from its 112-day lockdown.

The 14 day rolling average is down in Melbourne and regional Vic.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the two fatalities, a man in his 70s and another in his 80s, happened "some weeks ago" and are related to aged care.

He added the two new cases are close contacts of known infections and Department of Health and Human Services testing boss Jeroen Weimar said they are part of Melbourne's northern suburbs outbreak.

The corresponding figures for regional Victoria are zero.

Premier Daniel Andrews reported 24,673 tests, understood to be the highest daily figure for Victoria since 4 September.

Mr Andrews said while Melburnians want to support local businesses, they must keep following rules including the wearing of masks.

"The rules, they are not against you, they are for you - they are so you can continue to do these things," he said.

"We're still hearing a lot of concerns from hospitality that the rules, in some cases, just aren't workable.".

There are also new rules for home visits, which were curtailed throughout Victoria's devastating second wave, making it difficult for people to see family and friends.

Hours before Tuesday's rules rollback, the Victorian government also clarified advice on home businesses and workers, masks and Halloween.

Halloween trick-or-treating will be permitted in Melbourne and regional Victoria this Saturday as long as it's "contactless", with people unable to enter properties, including front yards, to doorknock.

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox

Follow SBS News to join in the conversation and never miss the latest live updates

Ask Amazon Alexa for the latest SBS News or listen to SBS Radio

RECENT NEWS

SUBSCRIBE

Get monthly updates and free resources.

CONNECT WITH US

© Copyright 2024 365NEWSX - All RIGHTS RESERVED