DESPITE Victoria recording its largest daily increase in cases since August last year, premier, Daniel Andrews confirmed yesterday regional Victoria would likely take a step towards the easing of restrictions next week.

A further 120 locally acquired cases were recorded in Victoria on Wednesday, taking the state’s tally to 900 active cases.

While the figure is the state’s worst this year, Mr Andrews stated regional Victoria could be treated differently to metropolitan Melbourne and Shepperton, where outbreaks were based.

“In better news, the cases in regional Victoria are very different if you put Greater Shepperton aside,” Mr Andrews said.

“We think we will be able to end the lockdown in the rest of regional Victoria next week, there will be opening up but restrictions will still apply.”

Recording its most cases this year and hitting 900 active cases was a dark day for Victoria, but more concerning was two deaths reported on Wednesday – the first COVID-19 deaths in Victoria this year.

A woman in her 40s and a woman in her 60s lost their lives due to the virus on Tuesday.

Despite the spike in numbers, Mr Andrews announced that playgrounds would be able to re-open from midnight tonight and home child-care would also receive some easing.