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Australia heads for lowest virus count in three months

A hard lockdown in Melbourne has helped lower coronavirus figures in Australia - with the country on track for its lowest daily increase in new coronavirus cases in three months on Sunday (September 20).

The second-most populous state Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, reported 14 new infections in the 24 hours to Sunday morning- its lowest since June 19.

Victoria - which has spent months under lockdown to slow a second wave, is now on track to meet a target of keeping average daily increases below 50 by September 28 when the authorities have said they may lift restrictions.

State Premier Daniel Andrews praised Victorians for their efforts.

"This is a good day, though. A day where Victorians can be proud of the work they've done, their commitment, their resolve."

New South Wales reported two new cases, while Queensland also reported two, bringing the national total to 18, the lowest national tally since June 23.

Melbourne has been under one of the toughest lockdowns in the world, including a nightly curfew, after a second outbreak in that state saw daily infection rates soar to more than 700 and prompted other states to close internal borders.