Michaela Meade
More than 60 per cent of COVID-19 cases recorded in the past 24 hours in Victoria reside in the northern suburbs.
COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar confirmed today that 317 of the 514 new locally acquired cases of the virus were from Melbourne’s northern suburbs, including Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park.
Health department data shows that postcode 3064 – which includes Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park – has 731 active cases of COVID-19 as of today.
Mr Weimar urged the community to come forward for both testing and vaccinations to combat the outbreaks.
Meanwhile, residents of metro Melbourne can enjoy “modest easing” of restrictions from 11.59pm on Friday, September 17.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced that from then, there will be an additional reason to leave home – for outdoor social gatherings.
Mr Andrews said one person can meet another person from a different household, regardless of vaccination status, while fully vaccinated people can meet with up to five people from two households.
The time limit for exercise will extend from two to four hours.
The travel radius will expand from five kilometres to 10.
Real estate inspections can resume, with COVID-safe procedures in place.
Mr Andrews said construction workers in metro Melbourne have a week, until Thursday, September 23, to get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
“That is required, no debates entered into,” he said.
“That industry needs to take this seriously… otherwise you will not be permitted to work.”
