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Police detain a protester during an anti-lockdown rally in Melbourne Sep 12, 2020. (Photo: AFP/William West)

Australia COVID-19 deaths pass 800 but new daily infections fall

MELBOURNE: Deaths related to the novel coronavirus in Australia reached 803 on Saturday (Sep 12), but new daily infections in the country's largest hotspot continued to fall.

Victoria state, the epicentre of the outbreak, reported six new deaths related to the coronavirus over the past 24 hours, bringing its total to 716, or more than 90 per cent of all deaths in Australia.

However, new cases in the country's second-most populous state continued to fall from a peak of more than 700 in a single day in early August. It reported 37 new cases on Saturday, its lowest since late June.

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A protester wears a face shield with an image of Victoria's state premier Daniel Andrews on it as he speaks to police during an anti-lockdown rally in Melbourne on Sep 12, 2020. (Photo: AFP/William West)

The state, home to one-quarter of Australia's 25 million people, now accounts for about 75 per cent of the country's more than 26,500 COVID-19 cases. The state capital, Melbourne, has been under a strict lockdown for weeks.

Protesters in Melbourne defied a coronavirus lockdown for the second straight weekend on Saturday, prompting 14 arrests and 51 infringement notices for breaching public health orders.

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Police stand guard in front of the Shrine of Remembrance during an anti-lockdown rally in Melbourne on Sep 12, 2020. (Photo: AFP/William West)

About 100 people protested in various locations in Melbourne, Victoria Police said, after about 200 people gathered the weekend before.

"Despite all the warnings, it was disappointing to see individuals turn out to protest in the city today, putting the lives of Victorians at risk," the police said in a statement.

READ: Australia state leaders defend COVID-19 curbs as cases ease

The lockdown, which was initially to end on Sunday, has been extended for another two weeks.

"You can only keep numbers low if you first drive them down to very low levels," Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews told a televised news briefing. "That is exactly what is happening and that is good news. It is challenging out there and I know it is difficult, but the strategy is working."

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A protester speaks to police during an anti-lockdown rally in Melbourne on Sep 12, 2020. (Photo: AFP/William West)

Neighbouring New South Wales, Australia's most populous state, reported six new cases. There have been isolated cases in Queensland in recent weeks, but the virus has been effectively eliminated in other states and territories.

Australia has fared better than many other countries in managing the health crisis and a subsequent economic slump, thanks to swift measures and substantial government financial support.

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