Victorians will be waiting with bated breath for the announcement of further easing of restrictions on Sunday.
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Premier Daniel Andrews spoke with great optimism on Friday morning, following news that there had been just two new coronavirus cases confirmed in the 24 hours up until midnight on Thursday.
While withholding any details about any changes to restrictions, he hinted towards "significant steps" that would be announced on Sunday.
It is likely the new rules will follow a similar pattern to the original roadmap, but with some tweaks and nuances.
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"Today is a day where we can be optimistic and be positive," Mr Andrews said.
"We have stayed the course, we have not let our frustrations get the better of us. We as a state have been as stubborn as the virus in our fight to defeat it.
"We are well placed to take significant steps on Sunday.
"Sunday is important because it gives us two more days of data, rather than making announcements today."
The latest two cases are both in metropolitan Melbourne. One has been traced already and the other is under investigation.
In Shepparton, 40 per cent of the approximately 5000 tests taken over the last two days have been returned and so far there has not been a further case detected.
There are just seven active cases in the regions, four in Mitchell Shire and three in Shepparton.
In Victoria, there are now 157 active cases overall, with 17 mystery cases in Melbourne in the last two weeks.
Mr Andrews said as hard as the strict lockdown measures had been, the end was now in sight.
As Melburnians sit out their 99th day in lockdown, Mr Andrews pointed to other countries which are starting to see their worst outbreaks to date.
"This thing will test our resolve right up until the last minute," he said.
"Look at France, look at England, look at the entirety of the US, they are not coming out of restrictions, they are heading into lockdowns.
"Every Victorian who has been out there following the rules can be proud and I'm proud of you."
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