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Gulf Today Report

On Sunday Australia has recorded no new locally transmitted coronavirus infection for the first time in five months.

Health officials said paving the way for further easing of social distancing restrictions.

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In the capital of Victoria state, Melbourne, residents were enjoying the first weekend of cafés and restaurants after weeks of restrictions.

The state of Victoria, a coronavirus hot spot which accounts for more than 90% of Australia's 907 coronavirus-related deaths, saw zero new daily infections and no deaths for the second consecutive day.

The Melbourne residents enjoy the first weekend of cafés and restaurants to walk-in customers after five months.

Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton urged Victorians to enjoy the Cup but to continue obeying guidance on mask-wearing and social distancing.

"The great majority of Melburnians know what do to,” Sutton said. "There will be a few who may be a bit liberal in their behavior.”

With no fresh cases of COVID-19 recorded in the rest of the country, Australia saw its first day of no transmissions since June 9, Health Minister Greg Hunt said.

"Thank you to all of our amazing health & public health workers & above all else the Australian people," Hunt said on his Twitter account.