Regional Victoria remains free of COVID cases

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Residents across metropolitan Melbourne savoured dining out at restaurants, hotels and cafes over the weekend following some easing of restrictions last week. Both Melburnians and regional Victorians are hoping to take the next steps out of restrictions following an announcement by Premier Dan Andrews on Sunday.

Mitchell and Macedon Ranges shires remain clear of COVID-19, with no new cases reported across regional Victoria in the past 14 days.

While regional Victoria’s 14-day rolling average is zero, Melbourne now stands at 1.9.
There are 49 actives cases in Melbourne, with one in the City of Whittlesea.

On Sunday, for the first time since June, Australia recorded its first day free of locally-acquired new cases.

Yesterday marked Victoria’s third consecutive day of recording no new cases and no new deaths.

Victorians are now awaiting an announcement of further restrictions easing, with Premier Daniel Andrews expected outline on Sunday the way forward for the state.

Mr Andrews has already flagged that the ‘ring of steel’ around Melbourne will be lifted from next week, allowing Victorians to travel freely between metropolitan Melburne and regional Victoria.

He is also expected to announce Victoria’s future roadmap to COVID-normal conditions, and what restrictions will be for Christmas.

Northern Territory authorities began allowing all regional Victorians, except Mitchell Shire residents, into their state at noon yesterday.

“There are currently no active cases, at all, anywhere in regional Victoria – they are as safe as we are, which means they are welcome here,” NT chief minister Michael Gunner.

“Greater Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire remain declared hotspots for the purposes of travel to the Northern Territory, and its very important that regional Victorians understand this – if you have you been in greater Melbourne or the Mitchell Shire, apart from the airport, at any point in the proceeding 14 days, you are not permitted free access to the territory.”

Mitchell Shire has been clear of COVID-19 cases since October 20.