Covid 19 coronavirus: Melbourne lockdown could be lifted in weeks

Daniel Andrews has hinted for the first time that Melbourne could come out of lockdown before October 26, maybe even in a couple of weeks.

Melbourne residents are waking up today to the prospect of having to endure just a couple more weeks of lockdown as the state’s cases continue to plummet.

This morning, the news continues to improve as the state registered only 11 new cases, marking the 11th consecutive day the state has recorded a number of daily infections below 50.

Epidemiologists now predict that Victoria’s 14-day average will drop below five cases a day within fifteen days, opening a window of opportunity for Melbourne to be reopened.

The state is currently operating under a strict roadmap that does not suggest the city be liberated until October 26, with a warning about new case numbers.

However, Andrews suggested for the first time yesterday that this is no longer set in stone.

“We will always be guided by those three things: evidence and science, data and what is considered safe,” said the prime minister. “We are on the program. We may even be a little ahead, but we have to keep going.”

It is now understood that the government could abandon the October 26 date if the case target is met and it is deemed safe to do so.

It would mean public gatherings of up to 10 people would be allowed, shops could reopen, restaurants could offer alfresco dining, and the curfew would come to an end.

Yesterday, Victoria recorded just 14 new cases, the lowest number in three months, with the 14-day average falling to just 38.4.