Premier Daniel Andrews has called for regional Victorians to remain vigilant as they move to more relaxed restrictions under the third step of the roadmap.
As of 11:59pm on Wednesday, travel restrictions within regional Victoria have been eased, reasons to leave the home removed and larger outdoor gatherings allowed.
People are also allowed to have up to five visitors in their home, although they must be from one household that has been nominated as a 'household bubble'.
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Premier Daniel Andrews congratulated regional Victorians for their work in combating the coronavirus, but warned the threat had not disappeared.
"I'll just just say this to regional Victorians: the rules have changed, but there are still rules. It's really important that regional Victorians remain vigilant," he said.
"Every regional Victorian is obligated, having given so much and having done so much to create this sense of absolute optimism, to make sure that they remain vigilant following different rules, but rules nonetheless."
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There are now 33 active cases in regional Victoria, as the state experienced its lowest daily increase in almost three months today.
Statewide, there were 28 new cases reported in the past 24 hours.
"This is a really important step we've taken this week in regional Victoria and it's a very clear demonstration to everybody in Melbourne, who I know is doing it tough, that you can get these (case) numbers low," Mr Andrews said.
"You have to get them low, to keep them low. Once they're at that lower level you can open up."
Mr Andrews again called for anyone showing even the mildest of symptoms to get tested.
"The message again, to every single Victorian regardless of your postcode, your background, your circumstances, it doesn't matter. This virus does not discriminate," he said.
"If you've got symptoms, even the mildest of symptoms, please come forward and get tested. Arguably, there's nothing more important than doing that."
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Matt Currill
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
