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Australia appears to be heading for its lowest daily increase in coronavirus cases in three months, as a state leader said spikes in infection in Europe served as a warning about the dangers of coming out of lockdown too soon.
At the country’s virus epicenter, Victoria, some of the stricter blocking restrictions in the world they were imposed in the city of Melbourne after a rebound in cases last month.
Daily infections in the state had risen to more than 700 at the time, but in the 24 hours to Sunday morning it registered 14 new cases, up from 21 new cases the day before and the lowest number since 19 June.
Melbourne was put under tighter restrictions last month.
Victoria is now on track to meet the target of keeping average daily increases below 50 by Sept. 28, when authorities have said they might consider lifting restrictions.
State Prime Minister Daniel Andrews said the figures are a “cause for great optimism and positivity.”
But after facing pressure over his hardline approach to coronavirus restrictions, he pointed to recent increases in cases in Europe.
“It’s heartbreaking to see all that those communities have given, all the sacrifice that they have made, and now they have cases that run perhaps more savagely than their first wave,” he said.
“You have to say goodbye.”
Victoria State Prime Minister Daniel Andrews says the figures are ’cause for great optimism’
Cases have remained low in other Australian states, including New South Wales, which reported two new cases.
Queensland also recorded two infections, bringing the national total to 18, the lowest national count since June 23.
Australia’s five other states and territories had not reported daily case numbers as of Sunday morning, but did not report any increases on most days for weeks.
Victoria recorded five additional coronavirus-related deaths and New South Wales reported one in the previous 24 hours, bringing the national death toll to 850.
Meanwhile, cases have risen in many European countries, including the United Kingdom, where the government warned of an impending second wave.
