On Sunday 2nd August, the Premier made some very significant announcements regarding restrictions across Victoria.
Metropolitan Melbourne is now under Stage 4 restrictions and Regional Victoria (including Mitchell Shire) will return to Stage 3 restrictions from Thursday.
Here’s the latest:
STAGE 3 STAY AT HOME RESTRICTIONS
From 11.59pm Wednesday 5th August regional Victoria will return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions.
For the Murray Plains Electorate, this includes the councils of Gannawarra, Campaspe, Loddon, Swan Hill Rural City Council and Greater Shepparton.
Stage 3 Restrictions Applicable from 11.59pm Wednesday 5th August
A comprehensive list of restrictions can be found here
STAGE 4 MELBOURNE RESTRICTIONS – These restrictions relate to Metro Melbourne only
The restrictions are now even tougher for metropolitan Melbourne. This means there are now additional limits to the rules for residents and anyone travelling to Melbourne for one of the four permitted reasons.
The additional limits include:
- Residents cannot travel more than 5km from their home;
- Only one person is allowed to leave the home for essential shopping;
- Only one hour of exercise is permitted outside the home;
- Recreational activity is no longer permitted (i.e. no golf or tennis);
- Curfew from 8pm-5am each night. Residents must be at home unless they are working, travelling to or from work, receiving care or care giving.
SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE
Victorian students will return to flexible and remote learning from this Wednesday 5th August, with the exception of students with additional needs who attend specialist schools.
Today will be a pupil free day across Victoria, before new rules come into effect on Wednesday.
Similar to the previous Stage 3 lockdown, students in regional Victoria who have no other option but to attend school will be able to, but the government has advised that this option only exists for working parents or guardians and should be discussed directly with your school.
Childcare centres will remain open in regional Victoria.
MANDATORY MASKS FOR ALL VICTORIANS
From 11.59pm Sunday 2nd August a face covering or mask will be mandatory for all Victorians.
I’ve been asked frequently whether you are required to wear a mask when travelling in a car. The answer is no, unless you are travelling with someone who is not from your household, in which case you would have to wear a mask.
Everything you need to know can be found here.
CONFIRMED ACTIVE CASES – As reported by DHHS on 03/08/2020
Locally, as of yesterday, there are 7 active cases. Greater Shepparton 1 , Campaspe 1, Loddon 3 and Swan Hill 2.
Accurate as of 03/08/2020
The cumulative total for our local government areas is as below.
Accurate as of 03/08/2020
Yesterday Victoria recorded 429 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the state’s total active cases to 6,499.
There have now been 136 deaths in Victoria.
*Details not available for today at this time
Further details on these numbers can be found here
POSTCODE DATA
We had a win over the weekend, with the government finally agreeing to our request to release case numbers by postcode. The following information is from the COVID Live website
| Postcode | Total Cases | Active Cases | Town |
| 3564 | 3 | 1 | Bamawm Extension, Echuca, Echuca South, Echuca Village, Echuca West, Kanyapella, Patho, Roslynmead, Wharparilla |
| 3579 | 2 | 0 | Appin, Appin South, Bael Bael, Beauchamp, Benjeroop, Budgerum East, Capels Crossing, Dingwall, Fairley, Gonn Crossing, Kerang, Kerang East, Koroop, Lake Meran, Macorna, Meering West, Milnes Bridge, Murrabit, Murrabit West, Myall, Mystic Park, Normanville, Pine View, Reedy Lake, Sandhill Lake, Teal Point, Tragowel, Wandella, Westby |
| 3622 | 1 | 0 | Koyuga, Strathallan |
| 3620 | 1 | 0 | Kyabram, Kyabram South, Lancaster, St Germains, Wyuna, Wyuna East |
| 3573 | 3 | 0 | Calivil, Mitiamo, Pine Grove, Terrick Terrick East |
| 3594 | 1 | 1 | Nyah |
| 3585 | 4 | 0 | Castle Donnington, Chillingollah, Fish Point, Goschen, Kunat, Meatian, Nowie, Nyrraby, Pira, Polisbet, Speewa, Swan Hill, Swan Hill West, Winlaton |
| 3629 | 2 | 0 | Ardmona, Coomboona, Mooroopna, Mooroopna North, Undera |
Please note: Only postcodes with cases reported have been listed here
The COVID live website is reporting the active cases by postcode. You should note that this website is not a government website and the data is collated from media reports and verified against Federal and State Health departments.
The COVID Live Website can be accessed here
COVID-19 LOCAL SCREENING LOCATIONS
To find your nearest screening location click here to be taken to the DHHS website.
Remember it is important to get tested if you have any of the following symptoms no matter how mild.
- Fever
- Chills or sweats
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Runny nose
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
STAY UP TO DATE
I post regular updates on my Facebook page and additionally have a dedicated page on my website peterwalsh.org.au which you can find here
Up to date information can also be found on the DHHS website by clicking here
australia.gov.au contains information about restrictions, financial assistance, community support and health advice
WHERE TO GET HELP
This is still an uncertain and difficult time for many. If you are worried or anxious, you can reach out to the following support services:
- Head to Health
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Information regarding financial support during COVID-19 can be found here
ELECTORATE OFFICE
Unfortunately, in line with Stage 3 restrictions, my office at 496 High Street Echuca will again be closed to walk-ins from Wednesday. However you can still get in touch with me or my team by phoning 5482 2039 or emailing me at peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au
Stay safe
Peter