Melbourne is “on track” toward the easing of restrictions planned for this week, Acting Premier James Merlino said in a press conference on Tuesday.

It comes after the state recorded two new locally acquired cases of coronavirus overnight. “It is reassuring that we’re again seeing these cases with clear links to existing outbreaks,” he said. “Our contact-tracing team has done exactly what we needed them to do. They have found the cases, they have tracked them down and they have isolated them.”

“Thanks to their outstanding efforts we remain on track to later this week announce … further easing of restrictions in regional Victoria and careful easing of restrictions in Melbourne,” Merlino added.

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While the Acting Premier made no assurances about lockdown ending, “[n]othing about today changes our plans … I just want to send that very reassuring message to all Victorians”.

Melbourne is currently in lockdown. Masks are mandated in public spaces, public gatherings are banned and minimal social contact is recommended. If you have concerns about visiting businesses or public spaces, or questions about self-isolation or coronavirus testing, check out the latest updates from the Department of Health and Human Services.