- Victoria has recorded its 10th day of zero new COVID-19 infections and deaths, a positive milestone for the state which suffered a deadly second wave
- In addition to the lack of cases, the Victorian Government has announced another round of restriction relaxations
- These include finally dropping the ‘ring of steel’ around Melbourne, which stopped metro-regional travel
- Melbournians are also allowed to travel freely around the city after a 25-kilometre radius lockdown was lifted
- Premier Daniel Andrews has kept the mandatory mask rule in place though, and he’s also encouraging residents to continue getting tested
Victoria has recorded its 10th day of zero COVID-19 infections and deaths, a positive milestone for the state which suffered a deadly second wave of coronavirus infections earlier this year.
The region has been subject to rolling lockdowns since the end of July, with almost all of those restrictions now rolled back as the state’s case numbers remain low.
Currently, there are only four COVID-19 cases in all of Victoria, with only two of those contracted from an unknown source.
Yesterday there were 0 new cases and 0 lives lost reported. 10,653 test results were received. There are 4 active cases. There are 2 cases with unknown source. More info: https://t.co/pcll7ySEgz#COVID19Vic #COVID19VicData pic.twitter.com/IQo6JcpPkL
— VicGovDHHS (@VicGovDHHS) November 8, 2020
Premier Daniel Andrews used the state’s low case numbers to announce further freedoms for Victorians yesterday, including the resumption of regional travel.
Previously there had been a ‘ring of steel’ around Melbourne, stopping metro and regional journeys.
That’s been scrapped overnight, along with a 25 kilometre limit on travel within Melbourne city and its outer suburbs.
Additionally, indoor pools and gyms are able to open from today — while cafes and restaurants will be able to seat up to 300 people going forward.
But, Premier Andrews is standing firm on the mandatory mask rule, which remains in place for the indefinite future.
“Whether it’s wearing a mask, washing hands, coughing into the crook of our arm, following the rules, as difficult and frustrating as they may be, that is what has got us to be able to be open,” he said.
Along with wearing masks, the Victorian Leader is also urging all residents to continue getting tested if they have any symptoms.
The state’s commander of the COVID-19 testing program, Jeroen Weimar, said there had been a pleasing uptick in children getting tested recently.
“I would like to in particular thank all of the parents and schools, we have seen a significant increase in the number of children coming forward to get tested,” he said.
“As children are going back to school and there is more contact between people as colds and flu make a bit of a comeback and we are seeing more children with symptoms, it’s fantastic that schools are being very vigilant and ensuring that any child with symptoms is getting tested,” he added.