Victoria has recorded another 70 coronavirus infections and five deaths as the state prepares to extend its state of emergency.
Premier Daniel Andrews said there will be two separate "roadmaps" out of lockdown for regional and metropolitan Victoria, noting "the challenge is different" for the two areas.
"Given the low number of cases in regional Victoria and the fact that our strategy there has been very successful... we can today announce that on Sunday we'll speak about two road maps towards opening up, one for metropolitan Melbourne and a second road map that may have different common end parts for regional Victoria," Mr Andrews said.
"That will be based on case numbers. It will be based on the science, the evidence and the best of medical advice."
The Premier said the new deaths are two females in their 70s, two females in their 80s and one female in her 90s.
There are 421 Victorians in hospital. 20 are receiving intensive care and seven are on ventilators.
There are 4327 cases in Victoria with an unknown source, marking an increase of 11 since yesterday's report.
There are 2519 active cases across the state, including 352 healthcare workers and 139 cases in regional Victoria.
Mr Andrews identified Geelong, Great Bendigo and Ballarat as the three communities of "most concern".
The state on Monday recorded 41 coronavirus-linked deaths - its highest increase so far - although only eight of those deaths were new.
The Victorian parliament is on Tuesday likely to vote on an increase to the state's state of emergency, which Mr Andrews had initially wanted to extend by 12 months.
Mr Andrews is now believed to have enough support to pass a six-month extension instead.
Melburnians are currently subject to strict Stage 4 restrictions including an 8pm to 5am curfew until 13 September.
Regional Victorians are under slightly less strict Stage 3 restrictions for the same period.
On Monday, Mr Andrews flagged he would announce a detailed road map to easing restrictions on 6 September.
"It is too early today to settle that roadmap and to lock that in as it were. Another week's data is critically important," he said.
"I know a week feels, and indeed is a long time locked at home, but it is also a very lengthy period of time when it comes to understanding what this virus is doing."
There have now been more than 19,000 coronavirus cases in Victoria, 2,620 which were active as of Monday.
Metropolitan Melbourne residents are subject to Stage 4 restrictions and must comply with a curfew between the hours of 8pm and 5am. During the curfew, people in Melbourne can only leave their house for work, and essential health, care or safety reasons.
Between 5am and 8pm, people in Melbourne can leave the home for exercise, to shop for necessary goods and services, for work, for health care, or to care for a sick or elderly relative. All Victorians must wear a face covering when they leave home, no matter where they live.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at .
