THE fate of regional centres like Mildura continues to be guided by coronavirus numbers in Melbourne.
But there was reason for optimism on Sunday as just 14 new infections were reported across Victoria, pushing metropolitan Melbourne’s 14-day average down to 36.2, well below the state’s target of 50 to lift virus restrictions on September 28.
Regional Victoria remains two steps ahead of Melbourne on Premier Daniel Andrews’ roadmap towards what he describes as a “COVID-19 normal” life for Victorians.
But regional Victorians will not be put on the last step until there are zero cases in the state.The latest figures revealed no new virus cases in regional Victoria where the 14-day rolling average is now down to just 1.8 cases.
There are only 26 active infections across regional areas while the number of active cases in Melbourne has fallen to 743.
“That is proof positive beyond any question that this strategy is working,” Mr Andrews said.
“These numbers are coming down thanks to the hard work of every single Victorian.
“We will continue to see them come down in accordance with our roadmap to COVID normal.
“Ultimately these numbers are a cause for great optimism and positivity right across metropolitan Melbourne.”
Mr Andrews urged people to stay the course and cautioned against any push to lift restrictions ahead of schedule.
“There’s no good opening up too early. There’s no good letting our frustrations get the better of us,” he said.
“All that will mean is that every metropolitan has given, everything that everyone has done to produce these low, but still not low enough, numbers will count for nothing.
“Because we’ll be open, yes, but not open for very long.
“This is a good day though. A day Victorians can be proud.”
The next step on Melbourne’s roadmap out of lockdown is from September 28 when some on-site work will return, child care will reopen and some school students will be allowed back into the classroom.
People will be able to meet outdoors for up to two hours with members of one other household, though the five-kilometre travel limit will remain.
State health chief Brett Sutton said on Saturday the five-household cluster of 34 cases in the city’s southeast was “under control”, with no new cases linked to the cluster on Saturday.
Contact tracers have acted quickly to contain the outbreak, with government officials speaking with community leaders and members.
