Victoria records just 28 cases of coronavirus overnight and three deaths

Victoria has recorded 28 coronavirus cases and three more deaths, sparking calls for the state to ease lockdown restrictions early.

The latest figures, which were released on Tuesday, show a slight spike in case numbers after the state recorded just 11 new infections on Monday and two deaths – the lowest number in three months. 

Monday’s figures pushed Melbourne’s 14-day average down to 34.4, well below the state’s target of 50 which was the mark for restrictions to be lifted. 

Under Daniel Andrews’ targets, restrictions will be eased in Melbourne on September 28 but the lockdown won’t be fully lifted until after October 26 with a 14-day average of five or less coronavirus cases.

Despite the slight increase, Federal deputy Chief Medical Officer Nick Coatsworth said health official were taking note of the low case numbers.

‘If (case numbers) continue down into single digit territory there’s no doubt that that will be provoking some thought on behalf of the Victorian government about the road map and when restrictions can be lifted.’

Premier Daniel Andrews said they would use ‘common sense’ when it comes to decisions around end restrictions earlier than planned. 

‘If circumstances change, if we find ourself ahead of schedule — not for one day, but in a manifest sense — common sense always guides us,’ he said.

‘We will look at what sits behind the numbers and then we will have to make a judgment. Has enough time passed for us to be confident that the numbers we are seeing are a true reflection of how much virus is out there?’

Mr Andrews on Sunday said the path towards easing rules would be constantly reviewed, but he is standing firm by his ‘safe and steady’ approach. 

‘That is proof positive beyond any question that this strategy is working,’ he said at Sunday’s press conference. 

‘There’s no good opening up too early. There’s no good letting our frustrations get the better of us.

‘All that will mean is that everything metropolitan Melbourne has given, everything that everyone has done to produce these low, but still not low enough, numbers will count for nothing.’

Optimism has risen among Melbourne small businesses, with a survey showing 35 per cent now believe the Victorian economy will be better in one year’s time.

That compares with just 17 per cent in August believing the state’s economy will improve by then, the Sensis Business Index shows.

More also think the national economy will mend, with 26 per cent saying it will be better in a year compared with 14 per cent last month.

Despite the premier’s upbeat tone, frustrations were evident on Sunday as anti-lockdown protests continued in Melbourne.

More than a dozen protesters illegally gathered at Chadstone Shopping Centre and belted out a rendition of John Farnham’s You’re The Voice before police intervened.

Two people were arrested and six were issued fines, adding to Saturday’s 16 arrests and 21 fines after up to 100 people rallied in Melbourne’s inner beachside suburb of Elwood.