Regional Victoria's reopening giving Melbournians 'hope'

Melbourne's Lord Mayor says the lifting of restrictions in regional Victoria is giving metropolitan areas "hope".

This weekend will be the first of newfound freedoms for regional towns and cities, but Melbourne remains under strict lockdowns until September 28.

"We are right in the eye of the storm, but we can do it," Sally Capp told Today.

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"The fact that regional Victoria is opening is giving us hope and we hope that reopening goes really well and that it bodes well for us here in metropolitan Melbourne."

Yesterday Victoria recorded 28 new cases, the lowest figures in more than two months.

"For us in Melbourne metro, it is really about staying focused on the lockdown, doing our best as we are seeing the numbers tumble down," Ms Capp said.

"And we need to keep seeing that happen and then we will be able to get on with life again."

Once the long lockdowns have been lifted, Melbournians will have a new appreciation for their city, she said.

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"We know that the Melbourne spirit is going to be triumphant and that we will be let loose to get on with Melbourne, the Melbourne that we love, when it is safe to do so," she said.

"Of course we are missing family and friends but Melbournians more than ever are really appreciating how good Melbourne is, how much we took for granted.

"And we are ready for the hard work ahead to bring Melbourne back to that."

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