Melbourne's low rates of coronavirus transmission mean that schools can reopen safely for all year levels, according to public health and education experts, despite continued indecision by the Andrews government over a return date for students in years 7 to 10.

Emeritus professor of public health at Queensland University of Technology Gerard Fitzgerald said containing any outbreaks in Victoria would be easier now, with transmission numbers significantly lower than when daily new infections hit 700-plus at the peak of the second wave. The state recorded 12 new cases on Sunday.