Relief for Geelong residents and traders as ‘heartbreaking’ snap lockdown comes to an end

Geelong residents and traders are rejoicing after it was revealed they would be released from the harshest restrictions they have seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But some rules won’t snap back to previous levels.

GEELONG residents are rejoicing after it was revealed they would be released from the harshest restrictions they have seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced Victoria’s snap five-day lockdown triggered by an outbreak from hotel quarantine would end as scheduled at 11.59pm Wednesday.

Not all restrictions will immediately rebound to last week’s pre-lockdown settings.

Mr Andrews announced there would no longer be only four reasons to leave home and the five-kilometre restriction will no longer apply.

Students could head back to school and retail and hospitality would re-open from Thursday.

Waurn Ponds mum Kelly Ivens said she was excited her daughter Stella, a prep at Montpellier Primary School, could head back to the classroom.

“Stella is also excited, she’s enjoyed her prep Zooms and staying home with the cat but is looking forward to going back,” Mrs Ivens said.

Mr Andrews announced masks will continue to be a big part of our defence and will be required everywhere indoors except at home.

An empty Moorabool St on Sunday in Geelong. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Visitors to the home have been slashed from 15 to five, and public gatherings have been limited to 20.

“Masks will also be required outside if you can’t physically distance from others,” Mr Andrews said.

Workers can return to offices at 50 per cent capacity, with the premier flagging the cap won’t be lifted to 75 per cent before Friday next week.

Mr Andrews said next Friday marked the balance of the 14 day incubation period - the “period of risk” - for many thousands of people.

“As we’ve seen in recent days, this virus is very good at finding our weak spot,” Mr Andrews said.

“Getting us when we’re relaxed and comfortable and with the people we love.

“So for now, it’s important we reduce the risk in some of our most vulnerable settings.

“We can’t fully relax the rules in our hospitals and aged care homes yet either – instead, we’ll limit visits limit to one household per day and some specific exceptions.”

The state reported no new coronavirus cases on the last day of the circuit breaker lockdown that was called following concerns over the Holiday Inn cluster.

Chamber of Commerce CEO Ben Flynn in quiet Little Malop St. Picture: Alison Wynd

More than 39,000 test results were received in the 24 hours to Wednesday – the state’s biggest testing day so far.

Geelong Chamber of Commerce CEO Ben Flynn said the lockdown had been heartbreaking for those instantly affected, but also because it gave a broader dent in the confidence of all businesses.

“We have to rebuild that confidence and continue to be really resilient and manage the disruptions,” Mr Flynn said.

He said moving forward he would like to see a more targeted approach to any further restrictions dependent on where cases are located.

Barwon Health Public Health Unit director Eugene Athan said the community has responded to the call for COVID-19 testing, with an increase to 380 tests a day over the past week compared to the previous week’s average of about 220.

“It’s important that we remain on high alert, given the UK strain’s arrival in Australia and its potential to spread,” Prof Athan said.

“People should continue to follow the chief health officer’s advice, get tested for any symptoms, and stay updated on the list of exposure sites on the Department of Health website.”

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Originally published as Relief for Geelong residents and traders as ‘heartbreaking’ snap lockdown comes to an end