Australia's coronavirus hotspot of Victoria is considering easing curbs sooner than previously flagged, the state's premier said, as the two-week average of new infections in the city of Melbourne dropped below 30.
Melbourne, Australia's second most populous city, has been the epicentre of the country's second wave of Covid-19. The city has been under a hard lockdown, including a nightly curfew, since 2 August.
The state reported 15 new cases and five deaths today. The 14-day average in Melbourne dropped below the 30-50 band which the state set as a precondition for allowing around 100,000 people to return to work in construction, manufacturing, warehouses and child care from 28 September. "We are winning this battle and we will prevail.