Victoria has reported 43 more COVID-19 cases and nine deaths, taking the national toll to 797.
The number of fresh diagnoses recorded in the 24 hours to Friday morning maintains the state's lowering infection rate and assists the vital 14-day average.
Victoria has recorded 710 coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Despite the ongoing spread, there has been good news for regional Victoria this week, with just 72 active cases and its fortnightly daily average sitting at 4.5.
The number has prompted Premier Daniel Andrews to point to the easing of regional restrictions by late next week.
"Regional Victoria is poised to take at least a step and potentially two steps," he said on Friday.
"There is great cause for optimism and to be hopeful that what's happened in regional Victoria is proof positive that this strategy can work, is working, and will continue to work."
Authorities want the fortnightly average of daily infections below 50 before making further changes to Melbourne's restrictions.
Meanwhile, a new survey, published on Friday, found Mr Andrews' satisfaction rating among health workers has plummeted since the second wave hit.
The survey conducted by TKW Research found just 58 per cent of 300 frontline health workers were satisfied with his handling of the pandemic, down from 86 per cent in April.
TKW Research general manager Mandy Admiraal put the change in sentiment down to the emergence of a "disgruntled minority" of surgeons and allied health practitioners concerned about lost income.
Non-COVID emergency presentations drop
Authorities on Friday also confirmed there has been a significant decline in non-coronavirus hospital emergency department presentations during the typical annual peak in August.
Although much of the decrease can be attributed to an 80 per cent fall in yearly flu numbers, Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said it was clear people were deferring treatment for deadly diseases.
"This is concerning because deferred care can lead to worse health outcomes, longer hospitalisation stays, it can lead to tragedy," Ms Mikakos said.
Emergency department presentations for heart attacks have fallen by 18 per cent compared to the same time last year, while strokes are down 24 per cent.
There has also been a 30 per cent reduction in the detection of the five most common cancers - colorectal, prostate, breast, melanoma and lung - with fewer cancer screenings.
"We are urging Victorians to continue to visit their GP, to take their regular medication, and if they have any lumps or bumps or symptoms that they are concerned about, please do not defer seeking medical care," the minister said
There are still 223 active COVID-19 cases among healthcare workers, but Ms Mikakos said Victorians shouldn't delay seeking medical attention over virus fears.
"I want to stress that our hospitals are safe for people to attend," she said.
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. The full list of restrictions can be found here.
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
