Victoria records just 5 new virus cases as restrictions ease

The state of Victoria recorded the lowest virus case numbers in over three months as Australia's second-largest city of Melbourne further eased lockdown restrictions imposed after a surge in coronavirus cases.

The easing of restrictions allow most children to return to school from next month and send over 125,000 people back to work.

Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters Monday that his state is "so close to being able to take a really big step, a big step towards that COVID-normal," after only five new cases were recorded on Monday, the fewest since June 12.

"We are so, so close, and what's important now is that everyone keeps following the rules, keeps doing the right thing, keeps making that profound and critical contribution to these numbers getting low and staying low," Andrews said.

The state also recorded three deaths, Andrews said.

Melbourne and surrounding parts of rural Victoria state were placed under strict "Level 4" lockdowns on Aug. 2, shuttering schools and non-essential businesses, imposing a nighttime curfew and prohibiting public gatherings.

The 9 p.m.- 5.am curfew was lifted from 5 a.m. (1900 GMT) Monday, though residents still cannot travel more than 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from home.

Public gatherings of up to five people from a maximum of two households will be allowed, and day care centers will also reopen.

One parent said she was "excited" that her son's day care center opened on Monday.

"He's essentially hasn't been in day care for about six months and that's a huge time for a little kid to not have socialization happening," the parent said.

A further easing could take place on October 19 if the average falls below five new cases per day.

Masks remain mandatory.

Andrews said there are 359 active cases in Victoria.