In pleasing news for residents of the Moorabool Shire, Victoria's chief health officer has declared lockdown restrictions in the region will lift at 11:59pm tonight, 8 October, with restrictions to match those in place in the remainder of regional Victoria.
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While there are still new cases in Moorabool Shire, public health officials are confident that both the lockdown - and the commitment of the community - have slowed the potential growth.
Of the 1838 Victorian cases announced today, seven were in the Moorabool Shire. Three cases were linked to known cases, while four cases were under investigation.
Significantly, the seven cases resided in the 3340 postcode of Bacchus Marsh.
Thousands of locals were tested while the lockdown was in place, and first and second dose vaccination rates in the area have continued to grow.
Chief health officer Brett Sutton is pleased with what has unfolded.
"This short lockdown has worked to slow the growth in cases and buy more time for locals to get vaccinated," Professor Sutton said.
"I really thank everyone in the community for staying safe, staying apart, and doing the right thing."
While lockdown is lifting, important restrictions are still in effect.
These include, but are not exclusive to, masks needing to be worn indoors and outdoors and individuals not being able to socialise inside a home.
Following these restrictions will continue to limit the spread of COVID-19.
IN OTHER NEWS
Residents cannot leave the Moorabool Shire area and travel to Melbourne, or any other area in regional Victoria, in lockdown other than for limited reasons, such as getting a COVID-19 test, authorised work and permitted education, care and compassionate reasons, visiting an intimate partner, and necessary goods and services.
Locals should stay on high alert for symptoms and get tested if any develop.
Professor Sutton wants all Moorabool Shire residents to stay vigilant.
"If you have symptoms in the coming days, make sure you still get a COVID-19 test," he said.
Check to see if the testing centre you might have visited recently is still operating at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19.
According to most recent available data, more than 91 per cent of the Moorabool Shire population has had its first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and more than 58 per cent have had both.
In addition to Victoria's state-run clinics, local GP clinics and pharmacies are offering COVID-19 vaccinations.
Vaccination is still the key to getting out of the pandemic.
"Getting vaccinated is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family," Professor Sutton said.
Visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine for links to state-run, pharmacy and GP booking systems.
For more information on the new restrictions that will be in place in the Moorabool Shire at 11:59pm tonight, please visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/how-we-live-information-regional-victoria.