The spread of COVID-19 ground to a virtual standstill across Melton and Moorabool last week.
There was only one new case identified in Melton for the week ending Thursday, taking the tally to 19.
Moorabool remained at a solitary case.
While authorities across the country are pleased with the slowed rate of cases, Victoria’s chief Health officer Brett Sutton urged the community to stay vigilant and not erode the gains made in slowing the spread of the virus.
“Now is not the time for complacency. We still have a long way to go,” Professor Sutton said.
“While we are starting to see some improvement in the rate of transmission, that rate could climb quickly if we lose focus.
“Everyone who’s unwell must isolate themselves and everyone who’s been told they’re in quarantine either as a returned traveller or close contact must do so.”
While Professor Sutton urged vigilance, he said there was also room for optimism.
Speaking on 3AW last Thursday, Professor Sutton said stage four restrictions mooted by the state government may not be needed.
“I remain optimistic that we don’t have to go there,” he said.
He also hinted that schools could reopen in weeks if case numbers continue to drop.
“I don’t rule anything in or out. We are always reviewing, we have a state of emergency until May 11, that’s a natural point to have a really robust review, but who knows what the next couple of weeks will bring,” he said.
“If we have driven numbers down to zero, you know, that’s got to be on the cards but it does involve everyone doing the right thing.”
Across the state there had been 132 confirmed cases of the virus in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission.
As of Thursday 39 people are in hospital, including 18 patients in intensive care.
A total of 14 people have died from COVID-19 in Victoria at the time Star Weekly went to press.
