Australia has reported its lowest one-day rise in novel coronavirus infections in nearly three months as authorities began to ease restrictions aimed at slowing its spread.

Reuters reported that 39 people were found to be infected with the virus in the past 24 hours, the lowest one-day increase in new cases since June 26, when 37 infections were detected.

With dwindling numbers of new infections, the epicentre of Australia’s latest outbreak, Victoria state, has begun easing restrictions, allowing people to leave their homes for longer periods for exercise and shortening a curfew at night.