Victoria records 42 new coronavirus cases, eight more deaths

Victoria has recorded 42 new cases on Wednesday, with a key number meaning Melbourne is on track to having harsh lockdown measures eased later this month.

Victoria recorded 42 new coronavirus cases and eight deaths on Wednesday, the Department of Health confirmed.

The average daily case number for metropolitan Melbourne has dropped to 49.6, meaning Melbourne is on track to a much-anticipated easing of restrictions.

Metropolitan Melbourne must reach an average daily case rate of between 30 and 50 cases over the preceding fortnight to trigger an easing of lockdown measures from September 28.

The daily average in regional Victoria is 3.5.

There are 81 cases from an unknown source in metropolitan Melbourne and one case in regional Victoria.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Tuesday regional Victoria would take the next step on the COVID recovery road map plan. Picture: Daniel Pockett/NCA NewsWire

It comes as a Melbourne cafe owner launched legal action in Victoria’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, challenging the city’s contentious 9pm-to-5am curfew.

Michelle Loielo, 41, claimed her business in Capel Sound, on the Mornington Peninsula, was under “significant pressure” due to Melbourne‘s stage-four restrictions.

She is also intending to run for Liberal Party preselection at the next state election.

Premier Daniel Andrews will front the media later today.

Originally published as Victoria records 42 new coronavirus cases, eight more deaths