Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer has declared that lockdown restrictions in the Rural City of Mildura will lift at 11:59 pm tonight, Thursday 21 October, with restrictions to align with the remainder of regional Victoria.
While there are still active cases of COVID-19 in the Mildura area, including seven diagnosed in the past 24 hours, public health officials are confident that both the lockdown and the commitment of the community have slowed potential growth.
More than 11,050 COVID-19 tests were processed during the two-week lockdown, while first and second-dose vaccination rates in the LGA have continued to increase.
At least 95 per cent of residents aged 16 and over have had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while more than 65 per cent are fully vaccinated with two doses.
While lockdown restrictions in Mildura are lifting, certain COVID-safe measures will remain in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. This includes the use of face masks, which must continue to be worn indoors and outdoors by anyone aged 12 years and over.
Travel between regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne also remains restricted, other than for limited reasons, such as authorised work and permitted education, care and compassionate reasons, visiting an intimate partner, and accessing necessary goods and services.
Locals should stay on high alert for symptoms and get tested if any develop. To find the nearest testing locations, visit Where to get tested for COVID-19. Operating hours and wait times will vary.
With Mildura ready to reopen, residents who yet are to get their first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to book their vaccination through their local GP or community pharmacy, community health service or state vaccination centre. Bookings can be made via Australian Government Department of Health's website.
For more information on the new restrictions that will be in place in Mildura from 11:59 pm tonight, please visit How we live: remainder of regional Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Acting Chief Health Officer Ben Cowie
“Thousands of Mildura residents have come forward for testing over the past two weeks – I thank them for helping health officials identify active cases and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community.”
“As Victoria reopens, it’s important for everyone to stay COVID-safe and get vaccinated. Anyone in Mildura who is not yet fully vaccinated needs to make a booking now, so they can protect their family and friends and get back to doing the things they love.”