Lockdown restrictions in City of Latrobe to lift tonight
Victoria's Chief Health Officer has declared that lockdown restrictions in the City of Latrobe will lift at 11:59pm tonight, 5 October, with restrictions to match those in place in the remainder of regional Victoria.
While there are still new cases in the City of Latrobe, public health officials are confident that both the lockdown - and the commitment of the community - have slowed the potential growth.
Thousands of locals got tested while the lockdown has been in place, and first and second dose vaccination rates in the area have continued to grow.
While lockdown is lifting, important restrictions are still in effect. Masks must be worn indoors and outdoors, you can't socialise inside a home, and more. Following these restrictions will continue to limit the spread of COVID-19.
You can't leave the City of Latrobe area and travel to Melbourne or any other area in regional Victoria that's in lockdown other than for limited reasons, such as authorised work and permitted education, care and compassionate reasons, visiting an intimate partner, and necessary goods and services.
Locals should stay on high alert for symptoms and get tested if any develop. Check to see if the testing centre you may have visited recently is still operating at Where to get tested.
According to most recent available data, in the City of Latrobe, more than 78 per cent of the population have had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and more than 48 per cent have had both doses.
In addition to Victoria's state-run clinics, local GP clinics and pharmacies are offering COVID-19 vaccinations. Visit COVID-19 vaccines for links to state-run, pharmacy and GP booking systems.
For more information on the new restrictions that will be in place in the City of Latrobe at 11:59pm tonight, please visit How we live: remainder of regional Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Brett Sutton, Chief Health Officer
"This short lockdown has worked to slow the growth in cases - and I really thank everyone in the community for staying safe, staying apart, and doing the right thing."
"If you have symptoms in the coming days, make sure you still get a COVID-19 test - and if you haven't already, then getting vaccinated is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family."
