General News
7 August, 2020
All but essential business closed
DEPSITE having zero active COVID-19 cases, Corangamite Shire was again plunged into stage three restrictions along with the rest of regional Victoria.
DEPSITE having zero active COVID-19 cases, Corangamite Shire was again plunged into stage three restrictions along with the rest of regional Victoria.
Premier Dan Andrews announced the changes which would see regional Victoria return to stage three “Stay at Home” restrictions, which come into effect at 11.59pm on Wednesday.
The new restrictions follows the mandatory use of facemasks for all Victorians over 12 years of age which came into effect at 11.59pm on Sunday.
As of Wednesday afternoon, according to the official Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) there were more than 400 active cases of COVID-19 across regional Victoria which includes:
Moyne Shire – one case;
Colac Otway Shire – 91 cases; and
Warrnambool – one case.
Mr Andrews said schools will return to remote learning.
“Onsite supervision will again be made available for students who need it, including children whose parents are permitted workers and vulnerable kids who can’t learn from home,” he said.
“We know this will be a significant ask of parents with little ones – and big ones too. But I promise, as a parent to three, it’s an ask I don’t make lightly.”
Under stage three restrictions restaurants and cafes can only offer delivery and takeaway. Beauty and personal services will need to close. Entertainment and cultural venues will need to close.
Community sport will also need to stop.
“That means they’ll again only be four reasons to be out: shopping for food and essential items. Care and caregiving. Daily exercise. Work and study – if you can’t do it from home,” Mr Andrews said.
“These changes will be in place for at least the next six weeks. As always, we’ll keep reviewing and realigning the restrictions in line with the advice of our health experts – and if we can change things earlier, we will.
“I know there’ll also be questions about why restrictions are needed in some communities that have no cases.
“But as we’ve learnt over the course of things, just because you have no cases today – doesn’t mean you won’t tomorrow.”