Benjamin Millar
The Melton local government has soared past more than 1100 active COVID-19 cases while numbers continue to creep up in neighbouring Moorabool.
Melton cases reached a new third wave high of 1114 on Sunday, as Moorabool cases climbed to 48.
Victoria recorded 1612 new local cases of COVD-19 statewide on Sunday, with 73,138 test results received and 34,279 vaccines administered.
Lockdown restrictions in Moorabool Shire lifted at 11:59pm on Friday night when a snap seven-day lockdown ended, restrictions reverting to those in place in the remainder of regional Victoria.
Although new cases are still being detected in Moorabool, public health officials are confident that both the lockdown and the commitment of the community have slowed the potential growth.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said thousands of locals got tested while the lockdown has been in place, and first and second dose vaccination rates in the area have continued to grow.
According to most recent available data, in the Moorabool Shire more than 91 per cent of the population have had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and more than 58 per cent have had both.
“This short lockdown has worked to slow the growth in cases and buy more time for locals to get vaccinated – and I really thank everyone in the community for staying safe, staying apart, and doing the right thing,” Mr Sutton said.
While lockdown is lifting, masks must still be worn indoors and outdoors and you can’t socialise inside a home.
Moorabool residents cannot travel to Melbourne or any other area in regional Victoria that’s in lockdown other than for limited reasons, such as getting a COVID-19 test, authorised work and permitted education, care and compassionate reasons, visiting an intimate partner, and necessary goods and services.
Mr Sutton said locals should stay on high alert for symptoms and get tested if any develop.
“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.”
Visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine for links to state-run, pharmacy and GP booking systems.
