Lockdown lifts in Ballarat as leaders encourage vaccination
Another Covid case has been confirmed in Ballarat days after lockdown ended.
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Ballarat has confirmed another case of Covid in the past 24 hours, authorities announced on Monday.
The region also recorded one case on Sunday, bringing the total number of active cases in Ballarat to 21.
Ballarat’s case joins 12 Covid cases diagnosed across regional Victoria, and 705 across the state over the past day.
Victorian Covid Commander Jeroen Weimar said Monday’s new case was a partner of a previously identified case in Ballarat.
Mr Weimar said the government would continue to monitor close contacts across the region.
The Victorian Government released 1000 people from isolation on Sunday.
Deputy Chief Health Officer Professor Ben Cowie, said there were 400 Pfizer appointments available at the Melton Vaccination site at Woodgrove Shopping Centre.
Ballarat celebrated lockdown lifting from midnight on Wednesday when leaders encouraged people to get vaccinated to avoid restrictions from returning.
At the time Victorian Deputy Premier James Merlino said authorities had been able to contain the outbreak at 18 Covid cases and restrictions were no longer needed.
Mr Merlino said it was a great result for Ballarat.
“The City of Ballarat will end its seven-day lockdown at midnight,” he said.
“The Public Health team thinks they have the outbreak contained under control.
“Many public health restrictions will continue, masks must still be worn, and no visitors will be allowed at homes.
“Getting vaccinated is just as important as ever.
“Thanks to the entire community of Ballarat for doing the right thing and helping to chase down this lockdown.”
Drive cafe owner Sam Fraser said being in and out lockdown had taken its toll.
“We are feeling a little bit uncertain we didn’t expect lockdown to be lifted, and we are not sure where we go to from here,” she said.
“We have been in a crazy environment all year; we are deeply worried that we could be dragged back into lockdown at any time.
“It’s very hard for the staff, dealing with this much uncertainty.
“Having an earthquake and lockdown ending in the same day is strange it feels like a dream.”
Road Runner Brakes owner Bruce Crawford said there would be a long road to recovery.
“Sooner or later, we have to start taking steps in the right direction, to open up and start living with Covid cases in our community,” he said.
“The quicker we all get vaccinated the better for everyone.”
Buninyong MP Michaela Settle said Ballarat did an amazing job.
“This the moment we worked so hard for, my thanks to everyone across Ballarat.” Ms Settle said.
“We saw extraordinary numbers of people getting tested, we now have assurance we can open up.
“It is imperative we keep going, and keep getting tested and vaccinated.
“Getting the jab is the only way out of this. ”
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