Rolling coverage: No new cases, restrictions lift after third lockdown

Residents and visitors to 11 Melbourne suburbs are being urged to get tested if they show any COVID symptoms after a viral detection in wastewater.

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Residents and visitors to 11 Melbourne suburbs are being urged to get tested if they show mild symptoms in a new coronavirus alert.

Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said the viral fragments were “weak” but residents and recent visitors to the area with “even mild symptoms” should arrange a coronavirus test immediately.

— This article is no longer being updated. Follow Monday’s COVID coverage live here

The suburbs in the wastewater catchment area are Taylors Hill, Plumpton, Hillside, Sydenham, Delahey, Caroline Springs, Burnside Heights, Kings Park, Albanvale, Burnside and Deer Park.

Professor Sutton said the viral fragment was from a sample collected on February 22.

“Anyone who has been in these suburbs and has any symptoms of COVID-19 from 20 to 22 February is urged to get tested,” Mr Sutton said.

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AUCKLAND ENTERS LOCKDOWN

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced Auckland will go into a week-long lockdown on Sunday after a community COVID-19 case was detected.

From 6am on Sunday Auckland will move to Alert Level Three with the rest of New Zealand moving to Alert Level Two.

The second lockdown comes just weeks after Auckland had a three-day snap lockdown earlier this month.

New Zealand has been praised for its COVID-19 response with 2280 cases and 26 deaths since the pandemic began.

— Miles Proust

Meanwhile, mask rules have been would back in high-risk settings in Victoria, and 75 per cent of workers can return to offices after the state government ­announced an easing of restrictions.

Masks will be required only in ride-share vehicles, on public transport and in shopping centres or other big retail areas.

It comes as Victoria recorded no new cases overnight, with more than 10,000 tests received on Friday.

There are currently 15 active cases in the state.

COVID-summer settings have resumed in Melbourne. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Ian Currie

Other restriction changes mean up to 30 people can visit private homes each day and caps on public gatherings have been lifted to 100 per group.

Seated and unseated entertainment venues will be allowed 75 per cent and 50 per cent of capacity respectively, with a limit of 1000 people.

The state on Friday recorded two new locally acquired cases of coronavirus. Both were close contacts of existing infections and were already isolating. Authorities are confident of no risk to the public.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the state could return to the summer COVID-safe settings in place before New Year’s Eve.

Music legend Molly Meldrum is ready to get vaccinated against COVID. Picture: David Caird

MOLLY URGES AUSSIES TO GET THE JAB

Molly Meldrum has urged Australians to have the COVID vaccine to help get live entertainment back to full capacity as soon as possible.

“Whenever they tell me I can have the vaccine, I’m absolutely ready to have it,” Molly Meldrum said. 

The music guru loved his friend Elton John’s campaign urging Brits to get the COVID vaccine to help bring an end to the pandemic and urged Australians to do the same.

“I mean it’s two old queens taking jabs at each other,” Meldrum joked.

“I think Australians have been great during this whole pandemic, doing all the right things. When people start getting vaccines it means we can hopefully start getting back to full capacity at live gigs and sporting events. 

“I really miss seeing concerts and getting back to some of my favourite venues. It’s going to be a brilliant year for Australian music, because with no international bands coming here people can support local live performers. I can’t wait to see AFL and NRL games in Melbourne again this year. It’ll be great.”