Victoria has eliminated coronavirus after going four weeks without a new locally transmitted case.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Health Department confirmed the milestone on Friday, following 13,800 tests.
Health authorities say 28 days with no new infections means the virus has been eliminated from the community, given that timeframe represents two 14-day incubation periods.
It comes as restrictions are set to significantly ease from 6pm on Friday.
People will be able to have 100 visitors at home, up from the previous cap of 30, while public gatherings can double from 100 to 200.
IN OTHER NEWS
Masks will no longer be required in retail settings, though Victorians will still need to wear them on public transport, in taxis and rideshare vehicles and in aged care facilities and hospitals.
Density limits will be eased at casinos, nightclubs and karaoke venues from one person per four square metres to one person per two square metres, bringing the venues into line with cafes, pubs and restaurants.
The 50-person cap on dancefloors will also be scrapped.
Offices will be able to increase their capacity from 75 per cent to 100 per cent, though a density limit of one person per two square metres will still apply.
International flights will return to the state from April 8.
Overseas flights haven't arrived in Melbourne since February 13, after hotel quarantine workers contracted the UK strain of the virus from travellers at the Holiday Inn near Melbourne Airport.
The outbreak, which grew to 24 cases, triggered a five-day lockdown.
The state's active cases dropped to zero on Tuesday, for the first time since December 10 last year.
Our team of local journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the Ballarat community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark thecourier.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking news, sport and daily headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News