The State Government will lift lockdown restrictions on Mitchell Shire residents from 11:59pm tonight.
While there are still new cases in Mitchell, public health officials are confident that both the lockdown – and the commitment of the community – have slowed the potential growth of COVID-19.
Today the Mitchell Shire recorded six new cases, two in Kilmore, two in Wallan and two in Beveridge, taking the total active cases in the shire to 122.
Thousands of Mitchell Shire residents were tested since the lockdown was imposed on September 19, and first and second dose vaccination rates in the area have continued to grow.
The latest figures show that 91 per cent of Mitchell Shire residents aged over 16 have had their first vaccination, and 52.7 per cent are fully vaccinated.
While lockdown is lifting, the Department of Health says there are important restrictions still in effect, including masks must be worn indoors and outdoors and people can’t socialise inside a home.
People can’t leave the Mitchell Shire area and travel to Melbourne or any other area in regional Victoria that’s in lockdown other than for limited reasons, such as authorised work and permitted education, care and compassionate reasons, visiting an intimate partner, and necessary goods and services.
The health Department are advising Mitchell Shire residents to stay on high alert for symptoms and get tested if any develop.
In addition to Victoria’s state-run vaccinations clinics, GP clinics and pharmacies are offering COVID-19 vaccinations.
Chief health officer Brett Sutton thanked everyone in the Mitchell Shire for staying safe, staying apart, and doing the right thing.
“This lockdown has worked to stabilise case numbers and reduce the number of unlinked cases in Mitchell Shire, and has given locals more time to get vaccinated,” he said.
“If you have symptoms in the coming days, make sure you still get a COVID-19 test – and if you haven’t already, then getting vaccinated is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family.”