Australia recorded no coronavirus deaths for a third straight day, but its hotspot city of Melbourne faced a prolonged lockdown as new infections stayed stubbornly above the target for re-opening.
The southeastern state of Victoria reported 14 new cases, taking the two-week average up slightly to 9.5, double the target of fewer than five set for easing curbs in its capital of Melbourne in eight days' time.
Australia's most populous state of New South Wales reported three new cases, while Queensland state had one new case. The nationwide tally exceeds 27,200 infections and 897 deaths, far fewer than most rich nations, according to Reuters.
