PUBS’ COVID SETBACK

Premier flags changes for regional areas

REGIONAL Victorian cities may be given their own set of eased COVID-19 restrictions despite the tightened constraints announced by the Premier.

Daniel Andrews on Saturday announced a tightening of restrictions that came into force at 11.59pm yesterday after case numbers “hit the highest they’ve been in more than two months”.

Public gathering limits have been reduced to 10 people and households are allowed only five visitors amid the series of altered restrictions announced.

But Mr Andrews also flagged the possibility of putting suburbs into lockdown in areas experiencing outbreaks, and a potential “different set of rules” for those experiencing little to no cases.

“There are many parts of the state, particularly in regional Victoria, that have had no cases,” he said.

“We will, if and when it is safe, reopen those communities perhaps with a different set of rules,” he said.

The City of Greater Geelong had its last confirmed COVID-19 case reported on Tuesday Tuesday, June 9 — which has been the only case recorded for the region since May 24.

The Surf Coast has remained on nine total cases since April 10 — with one case added and removed during that time.

Mr Andrews announced the possibility of eased restrictions for individual areas as he said the state had come to a “critical crossroads”.

“Today, our case numbers have hit the highest they’ve been in more than two months,” he said.

“I know that’s not what people want to hear — but sadly, that is our reality.

“The experts tell us that, largely, the numbers are being driven by families — families having big get-togethers and not following the advice around distancing and hygiene.

“In fact, around half of our cases since the end of April have come from transmission inside someone’s home.

“It’s why today we’re announcing a number of changes.

“The vast majority of Victorians have been doing the right thing. But this is a wake-up call. We cannot be complacent. And the only thing between us and a second wave is what we do next.”