The Australian city of Melbourne will exit lockdown from Wednesday after recording no new Covid-19 cases for the first time since June.

Victoria state was the epicentre of Australia’s second wave, accounting for more than 90% of its 905 deaths.

The state capital, Melbourne, went into lockdown 111 days ago – enforcing home confinement, travel restrictions and and closing stores and restaurants.

Melbourne, Australia to exit 112-day lockdown after recording no new coronavirus cases for first time since June https://t.co/i8OPznoCkU

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) October 26, 2020

However on Monday, authorities said the city was ready to re-open.

“With zero cases and so much testing over the weekend… we are able to say that now is the time to open up,” said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

In July, Victoria saw cases surge to more than 700 per day but the severe stay-at-home rules and a curfew have brought the numbers down.

Mr Andrews praised the state’s six million residents, saying: “Fundamentally, this belongs to every single Victorian who has followed the rules, stayed the course, worked with me and my team, to bring this second wave to an end.”

Mr Andrews said the state was well placed for a “Covid-normal Christmas”, but urged people to stay vigilant.

“We need to be proud today and optimistic and confident, but we also need to be Covid-19 safe,” he said.

On Monday, state health officials reported no new infections for the first time since June, and no new deaths. Active cases stood at 91.