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Victoria records another dip in COVID-19 cases with just 12 infections and two deaths

Victoria has recorded another drop in coronavirus cases with just 12 infections and two deaths.

Thursday's new cases bring the state's death toll to 773 and the national fatalities figure to 861, as infection numbers continue to fall. 

Metropolitan Melbourne's crucial 14-day rolling average has dropped from 29.4 on Wednesday to just 26.7.  

The case range must be between 30 to 50 for the state to move into the next phase of recovery on September 28. 

Victoria has recorded another drop in coronavirus cases with just 12 infections and two deaths on Thursday. Pictured: Man wearing a mask walking past exhibition of healthcare workers in Melbourne

Victoria has recorded another drop in coronavirus cases with just 12 infections and two deaths on Thursday. Pictured: Man wearing a mask walking past exhibition of healthcare workers in Melbourne

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has hinted Melbourne's coronavirus restrictions could be lifted quicker than first planned as the state slowly gets on top of its second wave

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has hinted Melbourne's coronavirus restrictions could be lifted quicker than first planned as the state slowly gets on top of its second wave

The regional Victorian average remains steady at 1.1. 

There are currently 67 Victorians in hospital with eight people in intensive car and six of those on a ventilator. There are 532 active cases across the state.

Cases with an unknown source in Melbourne between September 8-21 were down to 37 and there were none in regional areas.

The figures come as the Health Workers Union called for the dismissal of Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos, accusing her of 'breathtaking incompetence'.

The union's letter to Premier Daniel Andrews has been made public ahead of Ms Mikakos's appearance before an inquiry into Victoria's hotel quarantine program, which led to the state's devastating second wave of coronavirus.

'Sadly, our union's relationship with your government is now officially dead, due solely to the breathtaking incompetence of your current Health Minister,' HWU Secretary Diana Asmar wrote.

'For the good of all Victorians, and health workers, I ask that you insist on Ms Mikakos' resignation, effective immediately.'

Meanwhile, Mr Andrews has hinted Melbourne's coronavirus restrictions could be lifted faster than planned as the state steadily manages down its second wave.

Beachgoers are seen basking in the sun during the COVID-19 crisis in Melbourne over the weekend

Beachgoers are seen basking in the sun during the COVID-19 crisis in Melbourne over the weekend

The figures come as the Health Workers Union called for the dismissal of Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos (pictured), accusing her of 'breathtaking incompetence'

The figures come as the Health Workers Union called for the dismissal of Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos , accusing her of 'breathtaking incompetence'

With Melbourne's crucial 14-day new case average now well below the 30 level, it appears likely the city will soon move to the next phase of the state government roadmap.

In Thursdays press conference the premier admitted that further announcements will be made on Sunday, but it won't be a 'day of massive steps.

'The roadmap does not speak to that, it is not a day when we essentially throw the doors open,' Mr Andrews said.

'It will be, however, steady and safe steps, and that sense of gradual, continual progress is what we are able to do because we have a gradual and continued decline in these numbers.'

'At 12 cases or at an average just under 30, that is still too much for us to take steps. We have got to be safe, steady and cautious, otherwise those new settings simply will not last.' 

Under the government roadmap announced earlier this month, the changes could include allowing public gatherings for five people from two households.

Schools, child care and some workplaces would open, along with outdoor pools, while personal trainers could operate with two clients.

There could be outdoor religious services for up to five people, plus a leader.

Locals wearing masks are see riding bikes and scooters along the Yarra during COVID-19 in Melbourne

Locals wearing masks are see riding bikes and scooters along the Yarra during COVID-19 in Melbourne

HEALTH UNION CALLS FOR AXING OF HEALTH MINISTER JENNY MIKAKOS 

A union has called for the dismissal of Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos, accusing her of 'breathtaking incompetence'.

A Health Workers Union letter to Premier Daniel Andrews urging her removal has been made public, with Ms Mikakos to appear on Thursday before the inquiry into Victoria's hotel quarantine program, which led to the state's devastating second wave of coronavirus.

'Sadly, our union's relationship with your government is now officially dead, due solely to the breathtaking incompetence of your current Health Minister,' HWU Secretary Diana Asmar writes.

'For the good of all Victorians, and health workers, I ask that you insist on Ms Mikakos' resignation, effective immediately.'

Ms Mikakos' appearance comes after fellow ministers Lisa Neville and Martin Pakula claimed the Department of Health and Human Services was in charge of the program.

Their evidence on Wednesday contrasted that of DHHS secretary Kym Peake, who told the inquiry there was 'shared accountability'.

While Mr Pakula's Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions was tasked with contracting hotels and security companies for the program, he said the DHHS held 'overall responsibility'.

Neither he nor Ms Neville, who is police and emergency services minister, knew who made the decision to use private security in the program.

Ms Neville said the issue 'didn't jump out' immediately, noting contractors were used at parliament, hospitals and police headquarters, as well as for major events.

'Reflecting on the question now, there are clearly things that went wrong,' she wrote in her submission to the inquiry.

'I do not know whether that was because of the use of private security at all or because of issues with the management and oversight of the private security arrangements, infection control management or both.'

More than 30 staff and guards working at two quarantine hotels - the Rydges on Swanston and Stamford Plaza - caught COVID-19 from returned travellers and spread it into the community.

It was also revealed Ms Peake and her deputy Melissa Skilbeck denied a request from Mr Andrews to house passengers from the Greg Mortimer cruise ship at a hotel near the airport.

Eighty of the passengers were COVID-positive.

'Premier has also requested that we use a hotel that is close to the airport, not in the CBD,' Ms Peake wrote in an email on April 9.

Ms Skilbeck replied: 'At this late stage of planning it would be risky to seek to convince another hotel to contract to take such guests.'

The passengers were sent to the Rydges on Swanston.

Ms Peake also failed to brief Ms Mikakos on two Safer Care Victoria investigations that identified problems with the program.

Mr Andrews will appear before the inquiry on Friday afternoon in its final week of public hearings.

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