Our region is now in a race against time to stop the imposition of lockdown restrictions.
With another 288 active COVID-19 cases in Victoria today and a spike in active cases across the Greater Geelong region, we cannot take anything for granted.
The coronavirus is incredibly infectious and potentially lethal. Stage 3 restrictions have been introduced in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire – they can be found at https://www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-victoria.
Please remain incredibly vigilant. Otherwise, regional Victoria could face a second wave of active cases and these same tougher restrictions.
It’s that serious.
As set out on the Department of Health website:
Each person has a personal responsibility to protect themselves, to protect loved ones and the wider community. Even if cases remain low, people still need to:
- practice physical distancing
- practice good cough and hand hygiene
- download the COVIDSafe app
- get influenza vaccination
- stay at home and get tested for COVID-19 if unwell with even mild cold or flu-like symptoms
It is also important to stay up to date on COVID-19. Read more information on areas with elevated risk of local transmission of COVID-19 or on jurisdictional sites.
The Commonwealth Government is supporting the Victorian Government to contain the virus outbreaks, acknowledging the Victorian Government is in charge of leading the response.
Already we are supporting the Victorian Government’s response with Australian Defence Force planning and logistics support, Commonwealth staff to support clinical efforts, community engagement and contact tracing, as well as bolstering specialist public health leadership.
While there is understandably a lot of anxiety about the Victorian Government’s failings and the consequent health and economic impacts, our Government remains focused on what we need to do so save lives and livelihoods.
Today, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a national inquiry into quarantine arrangements, sparked by the debacle in Victoria, and a halving of international air arrivals.
National Cabinet also accepted advice from the Acting Chief Medical Officer that masks should be worn in places where there is ongoing community transmission of coronavirus where social distancing is not possible.
10 July 2020