Victoria records 15 new coronavirus cases, five more deaths

Victoria has recorded 15 new virus cases and five more deaths, with a crucial number pointing towards an almost definite easing of restrictions next week.

Victoria has recorded 15 new virus cases and five more deaths on Wednesday, the Department of Health has confirmed.

The low figure means Melbourne’s crucial 14-day average has finally dipped below 30, now standing at 29.4.

It also points towards a possible easing of lockdown restrictions before the scheduled date in late October.

Metropolitan Melbourne’s 14-day, now below 30, has exceeded the state’s 30 to 50 case range required to move to the second step on the government’s COVID-19 road map recovery plan from September 28.

That step will allow childcare to reopen, schools to begin a staged return to classrooms and outdoor gatherings of up to five people from two households.

Low-risk workplaces are set to return next week as case numbers fall across Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling/NCA NewsWire

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has continued to stress the importance of Melbourne’s 14-day rolling case average remaining in the 30-50 band.

“We are in that 30-50 band and it looks like we are going to stay there. That is really very, very important.”

The 14-day rolling average for regional Victoria is at 1.1.

There are 41 cases of an unknown source in metropolitan Melbourne and none across regional Victoria.

The Premier will front the media later on Wednesday.