Australia set for lowest daily COVID-19 case increase in three months

Victorian state Premier Daniel Andrews. /VCG Image

Australia was primed on Sunday to register its lowest daily increase in new confirmed coronavirus cases in three months in the wake of strict measures to bring down the rate of infections.

Melbourne, the coastal capital of the state of Victoria, the virus epicentre, has been under one of the toughest lockdowns following a resurgence in cases which saw saw daily infection rates hit more than 700.

Victoria reported 14 new infections in the 24 hours to Sunday morning, down from 21 new cases the day before and its lowest since mid-June.

Victoria is now on course to meet a target of maintaining average daily increases below 50 by September 28 when authorities said they will consider lifting restrictions.

The Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews said during a new conference: "There will of course always be debates about timing and whether we are on schedule, ahead of schedule, all of those things, ultimately these numbers are cause for great optimism and positivity."

Meanwhile, New South Wales, the largest state, and Queensland both reported two new cases raising the national total to 18. This figure is the lowest national tally since June 23.

The remaining states and territories had not reported daily case numbers by Sunday morning, but have reported no increases several days for some time.

Australia has reported just under 26,900 infections and 850 deaths, according to government data.

(With input from agencies)