Victoria's case numbers drop, eight further deaths

It is the lowest daily increase in almost three months.

Sadly, a further eight people have lost their lives to the virus.

More details on today's figures are expected later today.

Victoria has now gone nearly two weeks with daily case numbers staying in double digits.

Yesterday, there were 42 new cases reported.

It followed increases of 42 on Tuesday, and 35 on Monday.

On Wednesday, the state dropped to 991 active cases. It is the first time Victoria has been under 1000 active cases since July 9.

Active cases once peaked at 7880 in mid-August

IN OTHER NEWS TODAY: West Wimmera Shire outlines COVID-19 recovery plan

Regional Victorians woke to slightly eased restrictions this morning, under the third step of the roadmap.

Travel restrictions within regional Victoria have been eased, reasons to leave the home removed and larger outdoor gatherings allowed.

In the third step, people are allowed to have up to five visitors in their home, although they must be from one household that has been nominated as a 'household bubble'.

MAKING NEWS ACROSS THE WIMMERA:

On Wednesday, Victoria Police announced a new fine, designed to protect regional Victoria from potential COVID-19 cases travelling out of Melbourne.

Melburnians caught travelling to the regions without a legitimate reason will be fined nearly $5000.

"We do not want regional and rural communities to be put at risk by metropolitan Melbourne people. We don't want the virus to spread again in these rural areas," deputy commissioner, regional operations Rick Nugent said.

You can read more about that here.

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