Five ‘zero days’ in a row, restriction that could go as Vic moves closer to COVID-normal
Despite five consecutive days of no new coronavirus cases, Daniel Andrews has warned there is one rule he’ll be holding out on as other restrictions are expected to be eased.
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Victoria has recorded its fifth day in a row with no new coronavirus cases or deaths — its second-longest stretch of “zero days” to date.
Meanwhile, metropolitan Melbourne’s rolling 14-day average stands at 1.7.
Two Victorians are in hospital receiving treatment.
Over 17,000 tests were recieved overnight.
It comes as the state’s active COVID-19 cases dipped below NSW’s, with hopes rising for a “COVID-normal” summer.
Active cases dropped to 30 on Wednesday, but Victorians still face harsher restrictions than NSW, which has 49 locally-acquired active cases.
Premier Daniel Andrews has left the door open for further restrictions to be eased on Sunday, but has urged Victorians to stay vigilant as the state prepares to open up further.
He also said he would be a “hold out” on mask rules amid speculation public health advice could be altered to remove the requirement to wear masks outside.
When asked on Wednesday if Victorians could expect further changes, including to rules on home visits, by next week, Mr Andrews said final decisions would be made closer to Sunday.
“We’ve always looked at the most contemporary picture,” he said.
“I can’t predict what will be announced other than what we’ve already outlined.
“We’re well on track to do all of those things.”
Mr Andrews said this included removing the 25km limit, the ring of steel around Melbourne and further expanding limits on indoor dining.
“If we want to lock that in and then go further again, potentially take several more steps between now and the end of the year ... We all have to play our part,” he said.
“Sunday is going to be an important day, we’re on track to make some significant announcements.
“It’s not normal, It’s COVID normal and if that means wearing a mask for a little while longer I just don’t think that’s too much to ask.”
Mr Andrews said it was possible mask rules could be eased in the future for low-risk locations, such as outdoors, but warned the government would be cautious.
“It’s possible that we could have some changes at the appropriate time and that will come after detailed health advice,” he said.
“But I’ve been very clear with you for weeks and months now that I’d be a holdout on this because I think that it is serving a purpose.”
Mr Andrews also urged Victorians to “make good choices” after watching scenes of thousands of people on beaches across the state.
“The bigger issue was people not wearing their mask,” he said.
“It’s a tiny thing you’re being asked to do so that all of us can benefit.
“If we don’t all play our part ... Then this thing won’t last.”
NSW BORDER TO OPEN TO VICTORIA
Victorians will be allowed into NSW from November 23 without needing to quarantine.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the border will be dropped at 12.01am on that date.
The confirmation follows a meeting of the NSW covid cabinet and a conversation between Ms Berejiklian and Victorian premier Daniel Andrews.
“Our policy in NSW is to keep moving forward and operating in a COVID-safe manner – the reopening of the NSW/Victorian border is another step in the right direction,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Read more on this story here.
THE RULES EXPERTS SAY SHOULD EASE
Leading experts, Deakin University epidemiologist Catherine Bennett and Australian National University infectious diseases physician Peter Collignon, said Victoria could now ease mandatory mask rules.
“All in all, if we continue to see zero or really low numbers over the next week, we could ease a lot of restrictions, providing we keep indoor crowds to low levels,” Prof Collignon said.
Prof Bennett said: “The numbers are so good and with the weather picking up, it’s harder for people to comply when they’re out and about.”
Victoria’s testing commander Jeroen Weimar refused to comment on which restrictions could be eased at the weekend.
“I’ll leave Sunday’s announcement to the minister and to the Premier,” he said.
More than 230,000 people have been tested over the past fortnight, but Mr Weimar said random testing could be rolled out in more industries.
People without symptoms would also be urged to take a test if they lived or worked near an outbreak.
“We are looking at different testing modalities,” he said. “We are very confident from the point of view of testing. There is a willingness of Victorians to come out and get tested and do the right thing and I think that’ll gives us confidence that we can stay on top of this in the way that we have been over the last few months.”
Mr Weimar termed the strategy as “aggressive suppression”, but warned the virus was still a threat.
The state continues to watch the northern suburbs outbreak, which includes 42 cases across 12 households.
There had been no new cases connected to the outbreak in six days and Day 11 testing has shown encouraging results, while the East Preston Islamic College and the Croxton Special School are preparing to reopen.
There is still one mystery case in Deer Park.
$84M UPGRADE FOR WERRIBEE ZOO
Premier Daniel Andrews annouced on Wednesday that in the upcoming state budget $84 million will be committed to an upgrade of Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Mr Andrews said the upgrade is a “profound investment” in familes and tourism, with more than 300 jobs to be created.
“We can’t settle for having good facilities...we have to have the very best,” he said.
