Victoria records one new local Covid case as thousands flock to the regions

Victoria has recorded one new local coronavirus case as Brett Sutton implores people to book their second dose of the Covid vaccine and expresses regret for his recent Canberra jaunt.

Traffic on the West Gate Freeway on Melbourne’s first day of freedom after its fourth Covid-19 lockdown. Picture: Mark Stewart

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Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has implored Victorians to get their second dose of the Covid vaccine - saying he had already scheduled his - as he expressed optimism more restrictions could be lifted soon.

He also defended his decision to travel to Canberra recently for a research awards ceremony and meeting of the National Health and Medical Research Council, but added if he had his time again, he possibly would not have gone, because of the reaction to the trip by Victorians.

“It was an event held over two days to honour medical researchers ... you can’t really honour people for their fantastic research without being there in person,” Prof Sutton said, adding Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt had also attended the important event.

He appeared to regret the trip, saying: “Maybe, if I could have my time again . . . (because) I was disappointed that the distraction was about me and not about that important meeting,” he said.

One new case of coronavirus has been detected in the community in the past 24 hours.

The case is a primary close contact of an existing case and has been in quarantine throughout his infectious period.

The male was linked to the Arcare Maidstone outbreak, which stands at 13.

Prof Sutton said “terrific progress” had been made across all outbreaks.

Two new cases of coronavirus were acquired overseas.

In total, 30,843 test results were received and 17,800 vaccines were administered.

It comes as Melburnians embraced their first day of freedom from lockdown 4.0, packing gyms and cinemas as restrictions on outdoor masks and 25km travel limits were scrapped.

Prof Sutton said it was possible more restrictions could be eased.

“Reviews do happen everyday. So, it’s not without possibility that we can make adjustments right through that (weekly) period,” he said.

“I’m optimistic that we’re on the right track for more things to be able to take place in coming days.”

Thousands of motorists packed the car and hit the road on Friday night in a bid to shake off the lockdown fatigue and escape to the regions for a weekend getaway.

The mass exodus brought gridlock back to some of Melbourne’s major freeways which have laid predominantly bare for the past few weeks.

The Allison family were among many thousands to pack their bags and head to the Mornington Peninsula.

Shirlene Allison and her family were thrilled to be able to visit her parents and siblings for a much-needed break.

Shirlene and Ian Allison with their excited children Isla, 9, and Kai, 6. Picture: Tony Gough

“We are so happy restrictions have eased — we are quite sociable so it was tricky not seeing everyone,” Ms Allison said.

“We haven’t been up to the Peninsula for a while so it’ll be great for the kids to see their grandparents again.”

The family hope to soak up the natural beauty of the seaside, and have plans to hike Seawinds and Bushrangers Bay.

While a sleep-in is usually a weekend staple, fitness fanatics craving a winter workout will no doubt flock to their favourite gym before first light.

Dohertys Gym owner Tony Doherty said he was relieved that Melburnians could finally exercise again.

“It has been very difficult that we were the last business to open, but at the same time we are very grateful to open our doors for the physical and mental health of Victorians,” Mr Doherty said.

“Exercise is the greatest medicine.”

Dohertys Gym owner Tony Doherty is happy that gyms are reopening and members can work out mask-free again. Picture: David Geraghty

While Mr Doherty harboured mixed emotions about reopening, he said witnessing clients get excited was the best part.

“We opened at 12.01am (Friday) and we have not stopped,” he said. “Seeing the happiness and relief on our members’ faces makes it all worthwhile.”

Determined to ensure his business isn’t subjected to further lockdowns, Mr Doherty said he’d continue fighting to be recognised as an “essential industry” going forward.

He maintains that gyms are not just for fitness fanatics but for anyone in need of a community.

“Everyone needs a release and I think the main reason people work out is for their mental health,” he added.

Melbourne’s official reopening was dubbed a “good day” by acting Premier James Merlino, after just one new coronavirus infection was detected in the community on Friday.

The new case lives in the same household as an existing positive case at the Southbank townhouse complex. It brings the current cluster of the Southbank outbreak to nine.

Mr Merlino said that discovery had prompted “cautious confidence” as the state looked to ease more restrictions next week. But he said the unfolding situation in New South Wales was a “sobering reminder” that the virus risk remained in the country.

“Staying Covid safe needs to be front of mind,” Mr Merlino said.

Sydneysiders will now be required to wear a mask on public transport, as NSW authorities desperately scramble to gain control of a new outbreak.

Traffic on the West Gate Freeway after Melbourne’s fourth Covid lockdown. Picture: Mark Stewart

BASKETBALL STARS BARRED FROM TOURNAMENT

Victorian junior basketballers have been locked out of Western Australia, barred from travelling west to compete in the Australian under-16 junior championships starting on July 4.

The four state teams had raised approximately $40,000 – with a goal of $70,000 – to pay for their two-week stay in a self-isolation facility three hours south of Perth.

Basketball Victoria was alerted on Thursday by WA Police – less than 24 hours before 40 players, 16 parents and 14 coaches were due to fly out – that its nominated self-isolation facility was “no longer an option”.

Basketball Victoria CEO Nick Honey said it was assured that the facility – which had been used previously for large groups to self-isolate – met the necessary standards after local police signed off on it.

Disappointed Victorian under-16 basketballers Oscar, 15, Luke, 15, Jesse, 14, Georgia, 14, Hayle, 15 and Bonnie, 15. Picture: Jason Edwards

“The teams have done everything in their power to get to WA and abide by the rules,” Mr Honey said.

“It is disappointing for the WA government to send mixed messages and effectively stop our Victorian under-16 representatives from representing their state.”

The facility, Bridgetown School Camp, failed to meet the standards because the group would be sharing bathrooms.

With the call made at the eleventh hour, there were no other viable venues for the group of 70, who needed space to train and exercise.

The Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet liaised with WA on Basketball Victoria’s behalf on Thursday.

Only if WA moves Victoria to “very low risk” before July 4 would the teams be able to fly in without needing to self-isolate, unless the WA government backflips on its decision.

Mum Lyn Airey said her daughter Isla, 15, was selected for the metro team only months after being diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in January and undergoing brain surgery.

“She was elated that she could go to Perth, knowing she was well enough,” Ms Airey said.

“She worked hard to get there … but now she’s devastated.”

Father Justin McAlary said his daughter Erinn, 15, “broke down” when she heard the news.

“She was in tears for most of the night. All (they) want to do is compete,” Mr McAlary said.

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