COVID-19 cases continue to decline

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MITCHELL Shire COVID-19 cases have dropped to 15, while Macedon follows the decline trend and currently sits at eight active cases.

Overall, Victoria had an increase of 73 cases 24 hours prior to Monday morning, and 41 additional deaths – 22 of which were recorded weeks prior.

In Mitchell, there are seven cases in postcode 3756, Wallan and surrounds; five cases in 3764, Kilmore and close neighbours; and three cases in Beveridge.

In the Macedon Ranges, there are three cases in Riddells Creek; two in 3442, Woodend and surrounding suburbs; and one in 3434, Romsey and surrounds.

The postcode statistics are available online at covidlive.com.au, but with some towns sharing postcodes, it is unclear exactly where each active case resides in some cases.

Premier Daniel Andrews noted the decline in cases in regional Victoria and said the lowering number of cases state-wide was ‘pleasing’.

Mr Andrews said he was unable to provide a ‘clear picture’ of what the next stage of COVID-19 planning would look like, but would do so on Sunday after another week’s worth of data.

COVID-19 cases fall 

THE number of active COVID-19 cases in the City of Whittlesea continued to fall during the past week, hitting a seven-week low of 142 by Sunday.

Active cases in the region have been falling steadily since August 16 – two weeks after Victoria introduced stage-four lockdown restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne.

The number of active cases decreased by nearly 100 in the past week as recoveries have far exceeded the number of new infections.

Whittlesea Council administrator chair Lydia Wilson said while the results were encouraging, Whittlesea residents needed to continue complying with lockdown requirements.

“It is certainly heartening to see new state and local COVID-19 numbers going down, which was the aim of these very stringent stage-four restrictions. However, we are not out of the woods yet,” she said.

“We need to remain vigilant about our health and hygiene practices to protect ourselves and those we love around us.

“Please continue the good work you have all been doing to stop the spread of COVID-19 over the next couple of weeks.”

Ms Wilson said she hoped lockdown restrictions would ease by mid-September.

“Hopefully we will see some easing of restrictions in the middle of this month,” she said.

“This will only be achievable if we stay on the path set out in early August and follow the restrictions that our government and health experts have put in place to protect us.

“Please get tested if you start feeling any symptoms related to COVID-19.

“I know that this has been a challenging time and I know there are many in our community who are really struggling.

“Please continue to reach out for support if you need it and where you can, look after your neighbours and see if they need anything and stay in touch with family and friends.”

Premier Daniel Andrews said a ‘roadmap’ for the state’s plan to ease restrictions would be announced on Sunday.

He said another week’s worth of data would help health authorities decide on their next steps.

“The numbers are too high for us to open at this time,” he said.

“It is also very, very challenging for us today to predict with any certainty where we are going to be in a week or two weeks.”