Victorians at heightened risk from COVID-19 have been urged to stay home wherever possible, despite newly-eased restrictions.
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Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Monday that people could host up to five guests in their home, and gather in groups of 10 outdoors.
But a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson has urged vigilance for all, saying the virus was still in the Victorian community.
A Bendigo aged care services advocate concurred, saying it was better to ease restrictions slowly, than see Victoria go backwards in its coronavirus battle.
The DHHS spokesperson warned Victorians at a higher risk of severe symptoms should continue to stay home, despite the eased restrictions.
This includes people over the age of 70, over 65 with chronic health conditions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged over 50, and people with compromised immune systems.
In March Bendigo Health chairman Bob Cameron urged elderly central Victorians, and those with pre-existing conditions, to self isolate, warning of heightened risk
Bendigo aged care services advocate Ruth Hosking said people over 70 had never experienced restrictions like those in 2020 before, despite living through the depression, World War II, polio and tuberculosis epidemics.
But she said most of the people she heard from had been more compliant than she expected.
"Those of us who can use the internet and are computer savvy, it's probably not been too bad for us," Ms Hosking said.
"Because I've been able to cope with Zoom meetings and Facetime and messenger. I've kept in touch with groups in Bendigo, of which I'm a member.
"My family is kept in touch with Facetime and messenger, but if I hadn't had that ability, I would have felt extremely cut off."
The warning to those at risk comes as Bendigo Health said that some COVID-19 test results were taking longer than usual to come back.
A spokesperson said the high volume of tests being processed had caused the delay.
As testing demand decreased, Bendigo Health expected time for results to reduce, they said.
The Bendigo Advertiser understands a similar issue is affecting other parts of Victoria.
"We're beginning to cautiously ease restrictions so Victorians can see family and friends, and students can return to school, but we need to keep protecting the most vulnerable in our community," they said.
"Victorians at higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms if they contract coronavirus due to age, demographics or underlying medical issues should continue to stay home wherever possible.
"Friends and family should use common sense when it comes to visiting vulnerable people, and if they must visit to provide care they should practice physical distancing at all times."
