Australia appears to be heading towards the lowest daily increase in coronavirus cases in three months, as a country leader said that the high number of infections in Europe was a warning of the risks of exiting the lockdown too soon.
In the epicenter of the virus in the country, Victoria, some of the The most difficult shutdown restrictions In the world it was imposed in the city of Melbourne after a high incidence of infection last month.
Daily infections in the state rose to more than 700 cases at that time, but within 24 hours until Sunday morning, 14 new cases were recorded, down from 21 new cases the day before and the lowest number since June 19.
Melbourne was placed under tighter restrictions last month
Victoria is now on track to meet its goal of keeping average daily increases below 50 by September 28, when authorities said they may consider lifting restrictions.
State Chief Minister Daniel Andrews said the numbers were “cause for great optimism and positivity”.
But after facing pressure due to his hard-line approach to coronavirus restrictions, he pointed to recent increases in cases in Europe.
He said, “It is heartbreaking to see all that these communities have made, all the sacrifices they made, and now they have issues that may be more fierce than the first wave.”
“You have to see that.”
Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews says the numbers are ’cause for great optimism’
Cases remained low in other Australian states, including New South Wales, which reported two new cases.
Queensland also recorded two injuries, taking the national total to 18, the lowest national number since June 23.
The other five states and territories in Australia had not reported daily case numbers by Sunday morning, but had not reported any increases on most days in weeks.
Victoria has recorded five additional deaths linked to the Coronavirus, and New South Wales has reported one death in the past 24 hours, bringing the national death toll to 850.
Meanwhile, cases have soared in several European countries, including the United Kingdom, as the government has warned of an impending second wave.
