Benjamin Millar
COVID-19 lockdown restrictions will be slightly eased on Wednesday despite Victoria recording a record number of new cases over the weekend.
A total of 705 new local cases were reported on Monday, down from a new record 847 cases on Saturday.
Victoria now has almost 9000 active cases, including more than 300 in the Melton government area and 17 in Moorabool.
The bulk of the Melton area’s cases are in the 3037 postcode (143) and 3023 postcode (129), followed by 3335 (92), 3338 (48), 3337 (32), 3038 (30) and 3335 (30).
Bacchus Marsh Primary School was last week listed as a tier two exposure site for September 15 and 16, with some people considered tier one contacts and required to quarantine for 14 days.
The Shine Centre at 28 Grant Street was also listed as a tier two site with some tier one contacts for September 15, while Vinnies at 8 Grant Street was a tier two exposure site on September 17.
Chemist Warehouse in Melton is a tier two exposure site for the evening of September 20, with some tier one contacts.
Despite the growing number of cases, some restrictions will be eased on Wednesday with Victoria set to hit its first vaccination target on the Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan, with 80 per cent of Victorians having received their first vaccine dose.
Premier Daniel Andrews said residents of metropolitan Melbourne will be able to undertake ‘contactless’ recreation at outdoor facilities, such as boating, tennis or golf.
“We’re about to hit our first stop on the Roadmap, which is a fantastic achievement – but we need to keep the momentum going,” he said.
The 10km radius for exercise and shopping will be expanded to 15km from your home.
Personal training will be able to take place with five fully vaccinated people outside plus a fully vaccinated trainer.
Additional restrictions on playgrounds will be lifted so that normal public gathering limits apply and masks can be removed to eat and drink.
In Moorabool and the rest of regional Victoria, outdoor settings for restaurants and cafes will have their outdoor venue cap increase from 20 to 30 people.
Masks may be removed if the service requires it in hair and beauty salons, so facials and beard trimmings can recommence.
