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Victoria reports rare coronavirus reinfection as case numbers fall

AAP
Victoria appears to have a rare case of coronavirus reinfection.
Camera IconVictoria appears to have a rare case of coronavirus reinfection. Credit: AAP

Victoria appears to have a rare case of coronavirus reinfection.

Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed Tuesday's sole case is now being treated as a COVID-19 reinfection, rather than a shedding of the virus from a long-past infection.

An expert panel had made the call after the man originally tested positive in July and recently re-tested as positive for the virus.

"The case is being managed very cautiously," the premier said.

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Mr Andrews also confirmed an inquiry into the state's flawed hotel quarantine program had asked him to answer some questions after Tuesday's extraordinary hearing.

"I would say it is an exercise for completeness' sake if you like. I'm not changing my evidence," he said.

Chief health officer Brett Sutton has been asked to provide a new statement to the inquiry after emails emerged contradicting his earlier testimony about when he knew the program was using private security contractors.

Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has been asked to provide a new statement to the inquiry after emails emerged contradicting his earlier testimony.
Camera IconVictorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has been asked to provide a new statement to the inquiry after emails emerged contradicting his earlier testimony. Credit: JAMES ROSS/AAPIMAGE

On Wednesday, Victoria reported no coronavirus deaths and only three new cases.

Melbourne's daily case average dropped to 6.2 and the mystery cases from October 5-18 also fell to 10.

The corresponding figures for regional Victoria remain steady at 0.4 and none.

The state's death toll remains at 817 and the national figure is 905. Victoria has had only one death in the past week.

All the new cases are in Melbourne, with two related to the northern community outbreak and the other under investigation.

There are 109 active cases in Victoria and the three regional positives remain the greater Shepparton outbreak from last week.

The Victorian government has also backflipped over its controversial call to allow a select group of spectators on course for the 100th running of the Cox Plate, following a public backlash.

Racing Minister Martin Pakula apologised after just hours earlier announcing up to 500 racing connections would be able to attend Moonee Valley for Friday night's Manikato Stakes and Saturday's Cox Plate.

Camera IconCredit: AAP

The premier also apologised on Wednesday for the government's original announcement.

"I'm not here to defend the decision. We have basically changed that ... that was the wrong judgment to take," Mr Andrews said

Opposition Leader Michael O'Brien questioned why the earlier health advice was now being "ignored" following the reversal.

"What a shocking pack of frauds," he tweeted.

Meanwhile, Mr Andrews says the state is well placed to bring forward a further easing of virus restrictions slated for November 2, including the reopening of retail and hospitality industries in Melbourne.

"It's very important that we see this thing off properly, so Sunday will be a day where we can have more to say," he said.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says the state is well placed to bring forward a further easing of virus restrictions slated for November 2
Camera IconVictorian Premier Daniel Andrews says the state is well placed to bring forward a further easing of virus restrictions slated for November 2 Credit: JAMES ROSS/AAPIMAGE

On Tuesday, the leaders of seven major businesses, including Wesfarmers, Commonwealth Bank, BHP, Orica, Incitec Pivot, Newcrest and Coca-Cola Amatil sent a joint letter to Mr Andrews pleading for him to allow businesses to reopen.

"We urge you now, in light of the excellent recent progress, to permit the careful and staged return to the workplace of office workers and the small businesses that provide services to them," they said in the letter cited by the Herald-Sun.

Mr Andrews said in reply that he "very much" hoped to further ease restrictions on Sunday.

Also on Wednesday, the state government announced that Melbourne cafes and restaurants will not need new planning permits for outdoor dining areas when they are allowed to reopen with outdoor dining.

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