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The 14-day average for new COVID-19 cases has become one of the most closely watched statistics relating to the pandemic - certainly among regional Victorians.
Last Sunday (September 6), Premier Daniel Andrews announced it as one of the key metrics for triggering the so-called "Third Step", which would mean a further loosening of restrictions.
Mr Andrews said that step towards a "COVID normal" would kick in when the 14-day average across the regions hit less than five new cases a day.
That has already happened (see graph and statistics below) for one day, then went back down again, and now is below that red line for the second time.
There were no new cases in regional Victoria on September 10, Mr Andrews said in a daily press conference.
Seven new cases found on September 9 meant that average went back up to 5. Five of those seven new cases have been attributed to the Colac-Otway local government area.
Mr Andrews also said the third step was contingent on there being no mystery cases detected in regional Victoria in the same time frame.
14-day average for regional Victoria (as of September 12): 4.1
Graph: 14 day average for regional Victoria
How the 14-day average of COVID-19 has looked in September
September 13: 4.1
September 12: 4.6
September 10: 4.5
September 9: 5.0
September 8: 4.9
September 7: 5.3
September 6: 5.85
September 5: 6.07
September 4: 6.21
September 3: 6.42
September 2: 6.5
September 1: 8.14
WHERE TO TAKE A COVID-19 TEST IN BALLARAT
Everyone who feels even the slightest cold or flu-like symptom must assume they have the virus until a test result proves otherwise. Anybody with symptoms or awaiting a result should self-isolate at home.
- If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, make an appointment either online or by phone (4311 1571) to take a test at Lucas Community Hub. Tests are by appointment only.
- There is now a testing site at the Ballarat Senior Citizens Centre in the CBD. People are encouraged to book a test by calling 1800 054 172.
- A testing site has also opened at the BHS public dental site in Sebastopol, phone 5320 8889
- A drive-through swabbing clinic, for symptomatic and asymptomatic people, has opened at the old Atlantic Hotel on Skipton Street in Redan - people will require a referral from their GP or specialist, but will not require an appointment.
AFFECTED BY THIS STORY?
Support is available. You are never alone.
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
- Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
- Mensline: 1300 789 978 or mensline.org.au
- Survivors of Suicide: 0449 913 535
- Relationships Australia: 1800 050 321
- headspace Ballarat (for 12-25s and parent support): 5304 4777
- Soldier On: 1300 620 380
- Ballarat Community Health: 5338 4500
- QLife: 1800 184 527 (Support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people)
- Family violence: 1800 RESPECTVeterans support: If you or someone you know needs support call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 - 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit www.openarms.gov.au
- For Aboriginal crisis support: Yarning SafeNStrong, 1800 959 563 (noon to 10pm)
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