The amount of coronavirus deaths in Australia has reached an unwanted number this morning.

An 80-year-old man has died in Victoria, becoming the country’s 70th person to pass away from the virus.

It now takes the state’s toll to 15.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER THIS ADVERTISEMENT

WANT TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS ADVERTISED HERE?

Just nine new cases were confirmed in Victoria on Sunday after 17 people tested positive on Saturday.

It’s understood seven of the new cases are passengers from the Greg Mortimer cruise ship, who flew home from Uruguay.

“These numbers do jump around a little bit, but the increases are small, the strategy’s working,” Premier Daniel Andrews told Sky News on Sunday.

Despite the death toll, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has revealed the rate of increase in new coronavirus cases has been below one per cent for a consecutive 7 days.

“Very significantly, our rates of hospitalisation have all fallen, with some of the lowest figures we have seen in weeks” Mr Hunt said.

Across the country, 184 people remain in hospital, with 51 in intensive care and 33 on ventilators.

While there’s still a long way to go, Mr Hunt said we now have a “sustained and genuine” flattening of the curve, which is extremely encouraging.

He said the country’s tough social distancing restrictions are to thank for the drop in cases.

“These continue to be our strongest weapons towards the coronavirus. Social isolation, although it’s difficult, although it’s challenging, is extremely important in the fight against coronavirus… it’s helping to bring down the rate of transmission.”

The national death toll remains at 70.