S&P/ASX 200 remains flat as Victoria records zero COVID-19 deaths for the first time in two months

S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX:XJO) remained unchanged at 5,899 by 12.45 pm as Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the state will move into the third step towards "COVID normal" from 11.59 pm tomorrow. Victor recorded 42 new COVID-19 cases overnight but there were no new deaths linked to the virus in the past 24 hours. Biotechnology company CSL Limited (ASX:CSL) (+1.07%) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX:BHP) (+0.85%) were the heavyweight gainers but the big four lenders, Rio Tinto Limited (ASX:RIO) (-0.79%) and Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX:TLS) (-0.1.39%) were pulling the index down. “Health plan is critical to our economic plan” Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned today morning that the country cannot claim success while the nation remained closed. He said: “Our government’s health plan is critical to our economic plan. “By pursuing both, we continue to do better than almost every other developed country in the world when it comes to protecting lives and livelihoods. “But as long as we are closed, we cannot claim success, as a country. “If we are shut, we are not living alongside the virus, the virus is actually keeping us from living. “So as we emerge from this second wave in Victoria – and I had a good message from the Victorian Premier this morning – let’s now seize the opportunity ahead of us to safely and successfully reopen this country, reconnect this country, and stay open.” Top gainers Today’s top gainers on the ASX include Corazon Mining Ltd (ASX:CZN) (+50.00%), Andromeda Metals Ltd (ASX:ADN) (+10.39%), Cipherpoint Ltd (ASX:CPT) (+9.26%), St George Mining Ltd (ASX:SGQ) (+9.52%), Jindalee Resources Limited (ASX:JRL) (+16.47%) and Twenty Seven Co Ltd (ASX:TSC) (+14.29%). Proactive news headlines: Bardoc Gold kicks off +40,000-metre drill program targeting resource growth and new discoveries Bardoc Gold Ltd (ASX:BDC) (FRA:4SF) has begun a major new exploration campaign aimed at growing resources and unlocking new gold discoveries at its 100%-owned 3.02 million-ounce Bardoc Gold Project in Western Australia. Artemis Resources reels in A$5.78 million after completing sale of Novo Resources shares Artemis Resources Ltd (ASX:ARV) (OTCMKTS:ARTTF) has completed a structured share sale program covering all of its 1.64 million shares in Novo Resources Corp (CVE:NVO) (OTCMKTS:NSRPF) with net proceeds of A$5.78 million. Australian Strategic Materials produces key heavy rare earth metal dysprosium at Korean facility Australian Strategic Materials Ltd (ASX:ASM) has produced another key permanent magnet metal, dysprosium, via its partner Ziron Technology Corporation at a laboratory at the Ziron Tech facility in Korea. Horizon Minerals completes divestment of Nanadie Well Copper Project Horizon Minerals Ltd (ASX:HRZ) has completed the sale of its 100% interest in the Nanadie Well Copper Project in Western Australia to Cyprium Metals Ltd (ASX:CYM). Black Rock Mining moves along path towards graphite exports with Tanzanian Government regulations Black Rock Mining Ltd (ASX:BKT) has welcomed the publication of regulations by the Government of Tanzania concerning graphite concentrate exports which establishes a firm path to advance the Mahenge Graphite Project.