“Weeks ago we were having between 25 and 30 per cent daily increases. Then it had dropped to the low teens over the last week and now we have seen a number of days which has allowed us to say that we have dropped below the 10 per cent daily figure to single figures with regards to our daily increase in infections,” he said.
“That means we are beginning to see early, cautious, but verifiable signs of flattening the curve. So the curve is beginning to flatten.
“It isn’t sustained yet, it hasn’t been consolidated, but those early, important signs are absolutely critical and they are a reflection of the four major measures that we are taking as a country.”
The health minister attributed a drop in the rate coronavirus case increases to four things – shutting down borders, high levels of testing, contact tracing and social distancing.
It comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Australia has reached a COVID-19 testing rate of more than 1000 tests per 100,000 people.
“We are the first country to the best of our knowledge that has been able to exceed that mark,” Morrison said.
Meanwhile, Victoria has recorded a worrying rise in community transmission.
On Thursday, Victoria recorded 68 new cases, with 57 of those new cases being through community transmission.
Victorian chief health officer Dr Brett Sutton said these numbers were “absolutely concerning”, and they will increase as testing expands.
NSW also announced on Thursday its strict social distancing measures will be in place for 90 days.
The state’s police commissioner Mick Fuller said the laws banning gatherings of more than two people will be in force until 29 June.
