Source: Reuters
The Market Online - At The Bell

Join our daily newsletter At The Bell to receive exclusive market insights

  • Australia’s second most populous state Victoria reports three new locally acquired COVID-19 cases
  • Melburnians expect an announcement about a possible easing of restrictions, including the 25-kilometre travel limit, today
  • The new cases arise from 17,538 test results received yesterday, while 14,870 vaccination doses were delivered at state-run sites

Victoria has reported three new locally acquired COVID-19 cases this morning as Australia’s second most populous state expects an update on restrictions from Friday.

Today’s announcement follows five new local cases reported yesterday. Two of those cases are linked to a Southbank apartment complex.

Health authorities said the three new cases announced today were also linked to current outbreaks.

Despite the new cases, further easing of Melbourne’s lockdown restrictions is anticipated to be announced today.

Senior state government ministers and health officials are meeting this morning to finalise the details of the new arrangements, including a possible end of the 25-kilometre travel limit.

Yesterday there were 17,538 test results received and 14,870 vaccination doses were delivered at state-run sites.

Victoria was plunged into a one-week lockdown on May 27 to contain an outbreak, forcing its seven million residents to remain at home except for essential activities.

The lockdown was extended in Melbourne until June 10, with some restrictions relaxed earlier in other regions of the state. While Melbourne’s lockdown has been lifted, some restrictions remain in place including the travel limit and wearing of face masks outside homes.

More From The Market Online

Well below US$5K/oz, gold’s surefire status as a safe haven has shifted

In the post-COVID-19 world, it’s almost definitely news to nobody reading this that gold prices have staged a fairly historic run.
The Market Online Video

From the Wire: Why did the RBA cut last year just to walk it all back 12 months later?

The Reserve Bank of Australia made the call to hike interest rates again in CY26, using its second board meeting to bring them
ASX concept

ASX 200 reacts to an RBA 25bps rate hike by… closing somewhat firmly in the green?

Colour me surprised – the ASX200 successfully priced something in for once, with today’s RBA rate hike not scaring the market down into
India Russia flag

Not just AUKUS indexes: USA’s war on Iran visible on India’s NIFTY; Russia’s MOEX

While the Australian market is busy watching Wall Street, gold, and oil prices – and the prices of relevant stocks exposed to those