The state capital, Melbourne, went into lockdown 111 days ago – enforcing home confinement, travel restrictions and and closing stores and restaurants.

However on Monday, authorities said the city was ready to re-open.

“With zero cases and so much testing over the weekend… we are able to say that now is the time to open up,” said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

In July, Victoria saw cases surge to more than 700 per day but the severe stay-at-home rules and a curfew have brought the numbers down.

Mr Andrews praised the state’s six million residents, saying: “Fundamentally, this belongs to every single Victorian who has followed the rules, stayed the course, worked with me and my team, to bring this second wave to an end.”

University campuses have been closed this term by the Covid-19 outbreak.

Cambridge will review the decision if advice on social distancing changes.

A statement from it read: “The university is constantly adapting to changing advice as it emerges during this pandemic.

“Given that it is likely that social distancing will continue to be required, the university has decided there will be no face-to-face lectures during the next academic year.

“Lectures will continue to be made available online and it may be possible to host smaller teaching groups in person, as long as this conforms to social distancing requirements.