Australia has reported the biggest one-day rise in Covid-19 cases in more than a week, denting optimism that a stringent lockdown of its second-largest city will soon be lifted.

Authorities said 127 cases of Covid-19 have been detected in the past 24 hours, up from the 109 cases recorded yesterday and the biggest one-day jump since Aug 28.

The bulk of the cases were detected in Victoria state which reported 113 new cases in the past 24 hours, despite the state capital, Melbourne, nearing the end of a six-week lockdown.

Cleaners walk down a street as the city operates under lockdown in response to an outbreak of the coronavirus in Melbourne, Australia. — Reuters
Cleaners walk down a street as the city operates under lockdown in response to an outbreak of the coronavirus in Melbourne, Australia. — Reuters

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