Canberra, August 15 (RHC)-- The Australian state of Victoria continued to flatten the curve in its wave of COVID-19 infections and deaths, reporting four more fatalities and 303 new cases in the past 24 hours.  It was the second-lowest daily figure in Victoria this month after 278 cases on Thursday.

Victoria's daily numbers are gradually decreasing, with the seven-day average down to 344 from 521 a week ago.  But authorities warn more progress is needed before lockdown restrictions in the city of Melbourne can be eased.

"We could not conceive of opening up with 200 cases a day. We couldn't do it with 100 cases a day. We have to head for the lowest possible number," said Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton.