Victoria has effectively eliminated coronavirus after reaching 28 days without recording a new case.
The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the state’s 28th consecutive day of zero new infections on Friday morning.
Epidemiologists regard 28 days without new or mystery cases in the community as elimination of coronavirus.
It comes after Victoria hit no active cases on Tuesday when the last coronavirus patient was discharged from hospital.
It was the first time in 269 days – since February 29 – that the state hasn’t had an active case.
University of Melbourne head of the Centre for Epidemiology, Professor Tony Blakely, told 3AW earlier this month the working definition of eliminating community transmission was 28 days with no mystery cases.
The period of 28 days for eradication was chosen because it is two 14-day incubation periods, which is the number of days between when a person is infected with the virus and when they might display symptoms.
Twenty-eight days without a new case across the state was also supposed to be the moment that Victoria moved to COVID normal under the state government’s original road map to reopening in September.
That would have meant most restrictions were removed with no limits on public gatherings, hospitality or visitors to the home, but with social distancing and good hygiene encouraged.
Victoria’s next easing of restrictions is due on Monday when 25 per cent of the workforce will be allowed to return to the office again.
Then, on December 13, the number of people able to gather in private homes will rise from 15 to 30 just in time for the festive season.
The last positive cases of coronavirus in Victoria were on October 30, when four infections were recorded.
Victoria has not recorded more than 28 consecutive days of zero new COVID-19 cases since before the first case was diagnosed on January 25.
Source: The Australian