Victoria's Covid outbreak has shown no sign of relenting as 2,189 new cases were confirmed by health officials on Friday - as well as a state Delta record 16 deaths.
The new cases - slightly down from the 2,232 infections recorded on Thursday - came from 77,036 tests.
Victoria's 16 Covid-related fatalities overnight mark the highest single-day death toll in any state during Australia's latest Delta outbreak.
The growth in cases followed thousands rejoicing in jubilant scenes on the streets of Melbourne when the clock struck midnight and the city's long-suffering residents were finally released from the world's longest lockdown.
Victoria officially lifted its stay-at-home orders at 11.59pm on Thursday after the beleaguered state passed its 70 per cent Covid vaccination target.
Revellers screamed in celebration from their apartment balconies, while car horns could be heard blaring in the background as overjoyed Melburnians got their first taste of freedom since August.
Good luck trying to lock them up again, Daniel Andrews.
The city has endured a cumulative 262 gruelling days in lockdown - a world record - with non-essential businesses forced to shut and millions trapped in their homes, banned from going outside after 9pm or travelling more than 5km.
They are even forced to wear a mask outside, despite no medical evidence doing so stops transmission of Covid.
Now fully-vaccinated residents are finally free, celebrations mirrored a wild New Year's Eve party in the nation's culinary capital as partygoers descended on pubs, flashing their double-jab status upon entry to eagerly awaiting hospitality staff, who had spent much of the day getting ready for the influx of patrons.
For others, midnight finally meant the chance to have their hair cut or get their nails done, with salons opening for the first time - and expecting to continue with round-the-clock appointments for some time to come.
Overjoyed Melbourne residents savoured their first drink in a pub since August as the city's lockdown lifted (pictured)
Shake it up!: A cocktail bartender is back in action mixing drinks as the city goes wild on its first night of freedom
Wild scenes erupted on the streets of Melbourne as the clock struck midnight, with millions of long-suffering residents cheering on the end of the world's longest lockdown (pictured, mates at 3 Monkeys on the city's Chapel Street)
Cheers!: A groups of mates toast to the end of Victoria's gruelling stay-at-home orders at a Melbourne bar on Thursday
Jubilant scenes played out as swarms of residents descended on bars and restaurants to finally reunite with their mates.
Even fast food chains like McDonald's saw staggering crowds with video showing diners lined out into the parking lot, keen to finally enjoy a late-night feast after months under a tough 9pm curfew.
But while there's a major sense of relief that the worst of the coronavirus crisis is now over, it's still too early to ditch face masks which remains mandatory indoors and outdoors unless eating or drinking.
A number of other hated restrictions will also still be in place along with strict capacity limits on venues and events.
Melburnians couldn't wait any longer to catch up with their mates rushing to pubs as the clocks hit midnight (pictured at Leonard's House of Love in South Yarra)
Party animals hit the streets as the city got it's first taste of freedom since August when Melbourne's sixth lockdown was called
A hospitality worker brings a round of shots to the table as wild celebrations go long into the night in Melbourne
Premier Daniel Andrews finally agreed to lift the brutal restrictions earlier this week as the beleaguered state neared its vaccination target of 70 per cent
Some sick of their lockdown hairstyle even made a midnight trip to hair salons (pictured at the Flaunt It salon in Truganina in the city's outer west)
The good news is that the city's reviled and controversial 9pm curfew is now scrapped along with the 15km travel limit.
Residents can now freely move around the Metropolitan area - however regional travel is still off the cards.
Hospitality venues like pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants are allowed to reopen for seated and outdoor service only, with a capacity limit of 20 fully-vaccinated patrons indoors and 50 outdoors.
The vaccination rate will have to surpass 80 per cent before nightclubs, dancing in venues and stand-up drinking is allowed.
General retail will also have to wait until the next vaccination milestone, predicted to be achieved in early November, before trading can return to normal.
From midnight non-essential stores can only operate outdoors or with click and collect services.
Entertainment venues, including cinemas and physical recreation, can go ahead with a maximum of 20 people indoors and 50 outdoor.
Personal services like hairdressers and beauty salons can get back to work with a limit of five patrons after the fashion-conscious city went without a trim for 78 straight-days.
But anyone entering any non-essential venue in the state must prove their vaccination status upon entry when they check in via QR code with the Service Victoria app.
Visitors can also show the green tick in their Medicare Express app. Those who can't prove they've had the jab will be refused entry.
Revellers are seen drinking at 3 Monkeys on Chapel Street as Melbourne opened up from lockdown at midnight (pictured)
A group of young men pose for a photo in front of the iconic Flinders Street Train Station as the lockdown lifts - meaning millions are finally allowed out late at night with the curfew scrapped
A full bar waits for cocktails as party-goers celebrate the end of Melbourne's brutal stay-at-home orders - with masks still mandatory unless eating or drinking
A massive queue is seen lining up at Leonard's House of Love in South Yarra as Melbourne opened up from lockdown at midnight
Residents can have up to 10 visitors at their homes while outdoor gathering limits will increase from 10 to 15.
Visitors to homes don't have to be fully vaccinated but is highly recommended by the state government and health officials. The same rule applies for outdoor gatherings.
Religious services, weddings and funerals will be able to take place with 50 fully-vaccinated guests outdoors and 20 indoors.
While school children from Year 3 to Year 11 will start returning to the classroom part-time.
Early childcare will also reopen for children of fully vaccinated parents.
The long awaited reopening was originally supposed to take place on October 26, but was fast-tracked by premier Andrews who praised Victorians on their 'mighty' effort rolling their sleeves.
Huge lines were scene at McDonald's at midnight with customers thrilled to dine in for a change and enjoy the first late night feast in months
