The troubling numbers that make coming out of lockdown in Melbourne a nightmare: How Victoria has 4,000 unknown cases that can't be traced
Victoria has reported 113 new coronavirus cases and 12 deaths as it's revealed one-fifth of the state's infections have no known source.
Premier Daniel Andrews said there 4,197 COVID-19 infections which could not be linked to outbreaks despite the 'detective work' of contact tracers.
The new coronavirus infections reported on Friday marks the fifth day in a row of case numbers sitting below 150.
The 12 new fatalities take Victoria's death toll to 497.
As infections continue to decline Scott Morrison is expected to call for an exit plan to be made to ease the state out of lockdown.
The prime minister wants a 'principles-based approach' to easing level four restrictions, which have been in place since August 2.
Premier Daniel Andrews said there 4,197 COVID-19 infections which could not be linked to outbreaks despite the 'detective work' of contact tracers
As infections continue to decline Scott Morrison (Pictured with Victorian premier Dan Andrews) is expected to call for an exit plan to be made to ease the state out of lockdown
Nancy Oziya, social sewing teacher at The Social Studio, poses for a photograph wearing a face mask
He wants the move to be driven by data and well communicated to the public, the Herald Sun reported.
'The restrictions should be in only for as long as they are absolutely needed and they should only be placed in where they are absolutely needed, based on that medical advice,' he said on Thursday.
Mr Andrews hinted that a road map to recovery was on the way but gave no additional details during the press conference on Thursday.
'When I am ready to make those announcements then I will make those announcements,' he said.
A woman walks through an empty street in Melbourne's CBD during lockdown on Tuesday
Recurring protests have been taking place at Dandenong's George Andrews Reserve each afternoon in a blatant breach of health directions
VICTORIA'S TUMBLING CASES:
Monday, August 24: 116 cases
Tuesday, August 25: 148 cases
Wednesday, August 26: 149 cases
Thursday, August 27: 113 cases
Friday, August 28: 113 cases
'We quite soon hope to be able to give people a road map, a clear plan about what coming out of stage four looks like, what opening up looks like, what finding COVID-normal looks like.
'I am not in a position to be able to do that, but what I am foreshadowing is we will give people as much notice as we possibly can.'
Improving the state's economy and the mental health of Victorians was the top priority, he said.
He said the state was further ahead than expected.
Mr Andrews is meanwhile being dragged to the negotiating table over a proposed extension to Victoria's State of Emergency legislation, allowing the retention of ongoing coronavirus restrictions.
He wants 12 months but without the support of the state opposition, may have to compromise to satisfy at least four crossbench MPs for it to pass.
Prominent crossbencher Fiona Patten wants the emergency powers extended by no more than six months and a cross-party committee to oversee the provisions.
The current pandemic emergency declaration is due to expire on September 13 after a maximum six extensions.
Mr Andrews stressed the proposed extension did not mean stage four restrictions for another year and rules would only remain 'for so long as it is necessary'.
On Thursday, the premier said he was having 'productive' conversations with the crossbench.
Victoria recorded 113 new coronavirus cases and 23 deaths on Thursday. Pictured: A man and a woman in face masks walk through a park in Melbourne
'When we get an outcome - and I'm very confident that we will - one that both protects public health, acknowledges that we can't go from Stage 4 to Stage 0 and have no rules at all,' he said.
'You want to open up, that's exactly what we want to do, you have to have a framework, a structure.'
Mr Andrews added his state could not open up with 100 new coronavirus infections each day.
WHAT MELBOURNE'S STAGE FOUR LOCKDOWN MEANS FOR YOU
State of disaster: Increased police powers to enforce the lockdown. Cautions will no longer be issued, only $1,652 fines or court summons
Curfew: No one allowed outside 8pm to 5am except for work, medical, caregiving - no shopping or exercising
Distance limit: Shopping and exercise can only be done 5km from home
Exercise: All recreational activity is banned and you can only exercise, with one other person, for one hour a day
Partners: You can visit a boyfriend or girlfriend who doesn't live with you, even if they live more than 5km away
Shopping: Only one person can go shopping per household per day
Cafes and restaurants stay open for takeaway, as do supermarkets, etc
Schools: All students learning from home unless they are vulnerable or parents are essential workers. Kindy and childcare closed
Funerals: No change to funeral limits, but only 10 mourners can leave Melbourne to regional Victoria for one
Weddings: Completely banned
Public transport: Slashed after 8pm and cancelled late at night