The Australian state of Victoria reported zero new coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, according to its Department of Health and Human Services, the first time in two months since infections surged in July.
"Yesterday there were 42 new cases reported and 0 lives lost. Our thoughts are with all affected. The 14 day rolling average & number of cases with unknown source are down from yesterday as we move toward COVID Normal," the DHHS tweeted on Tuesday.
New phase of reopening: Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews announced that regional Victoria would enter the third phase of its reopening on Wednesday. The state capital Melbourne, however, will remain under lockdown restrictions until September 28.
"Having reached a 14-day average of 3.6 and with no mystery cases, regional Victoria has reached the necessary 'trigger point' in our road map - meaning our public health experts have advised we can take this next step," Andrews said in a statement Tuesday.
In the third phase of reopening, the government will allow "household bubbles," where one household can choose another household to visit with up to five visitors.
The third phase will also allow for outdoor and non-contact sports, and up to 10 people will be allowed for public gatherings. The third phase will also allow for regional travel and businesses to reopen with proper social distancing measures, Andrews said.