Australia reports 18 new COVID-19 cases

Almost all of the new cases were in Victoria, where restrictions will begin to ease on Tuesday night, while New South Wales (NSW), the hardest-hit state, has recorded its first day with zero new case since the pandemic began.

The number of Australian patients who have recovered from the virus has grown from 6,179 on Monday to 6,229.

Despite the positive numbers, McMillan reiterated the government's message that Australians must remain vigilant.

"If there are any signs that you are sick, please, please stay at home and call your General Practitioner (GP) to see about getting tested," she said.

"It's so important that we all follow hand hygiene. Remember to wash your hands. Before you eat, after you go to the toilet and certainly after you cough or sneeze.
"And importantly as we move around, trying to maintain that 1.5 metre distance between ourselves and others."

Andrew Barr, the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), announced on Tuesday that restaurants and cafes in the territory will be able to re-open to 10 patrons as of Friday night.

"This is a first tentative and very small step for the industry," he said.

"The advice from public safety experts is that the safest and easiest way to reach a more sustainable level of restrictions in our community is to ease them gradually.

"The adjustment for this industry is going to continue over the coming months."