Australia’s two largest states will further ease public coronavirus restrictions at libraries, community centres and nightclubs, officials have said, despite recording increases in new infections.

New South Wales (NSW), the most populous state, said that from July 1, a 50 person limit on indoor venues such as restaurants and churches would be scrapped, so long as the venues observed a one person per four square metre rule.

In neighbouring Victoria, where pubs and other venues are currently limited to 20 people, indoor businesses will be allowed to have up to 50 seated patrons from June 22, Reuters quoted state premier Daniel Andrews as saying.