Victoria set to announce easing of restrictions despite first deaths from virus this year - 9News

Victorians are anxiously awaiting news from their Premier on what restrictions will be eased as the government prepares to announce a number of changes this morning.

But Daniel Andrews has warned it will not be a major lifting of the stay-at-home orders as coronavirus cases across the state continue to grow.

More details are also expected to be revealed today about the two women who died from COVID-19 inside their homes.

Stormy skies are seen over Melbourne from Albert Park Lake on August 29, 2021. (Paul Jeffers)

Last night Mr Andrews, the Chief Health Office and senior government ministers met to discuss the new plan and specific targets to trigger the staged relaxation of restrictions.

Some of the rules that could be eased today include the reopening of playgrounds and scrapping the nightly curfew.

Mr Andrews has said he would announce a roadmap - including case number thresholds - to get Victoria out of lockdown.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said she was hopeful small businesses, in particular, would get "clarity" from today's announcement.

"We do understand we have ongoing responsibilities to reduce the spread of the virus, but we are looking for clarity on when we can start easing restrictions and what that means, particularly for small business owners," Ms Capp told Today.

Small business owners in Melbourne are looking for "clarity" the Lord Mayor says. (Getty)

"Everybody wants to be able to have a bit more freedom outside, including being able to access outdoor exercise equipment and children's playgrounds.

"But for our small business owners, if it is not that we are opening tomorrow, that is understandable. But can there be some clarity on what the steps look like to reopening?

"The toll on business owners and their teams, of not having some sort of clarity on the way forward is very deep."

Overnight, Victoria recorded its first deaths from coronavirus since November this year.

Emergency services were called to a home in the Melbourne suburb of Northcote on Tuesday, August 31, after a woman with COVID-19 died in her 40s. (9News)

The 49-year-old woman from Northcote and a woman in her 60s from Hume were both declared dead in their respective homes on Tuesday after developing COVID-19.

It remains unclear why they were not hospitalised and whether they had any other health conditions.

Last year, 820 people with COVID-19 died in Victoria.

Meanwhile, a new vaccination hub will open this morning at the Melbourne Town Hall.

It will initially be prioritising vulnerable groups including the homeless and refugees, before opening to the wider community in the near future.

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2021-08-31 21:45:37Z
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