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News and updates

Revised restrictions came into effect in Victoria on New Year’s Eve due to new Victorian cases resulting from community transmission.

Masks

From 11.59pm, Sunday 17 January 2021, face masks will no longer be mandatory in all public indoor settings. find out more here: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/face-masks-and-office-workers

Visitors

The number of people allowed in the home has reduced to 15 from 30 visitors.

There is no limit on the number of households those people come from. Front and backyards are considered part of the home.

Travel

Victoria has closed its border to NSW. For the latest on travel restrictions visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/travel-restrictions-new-south-wales.

Outdoor public place gatherings

Up to 100 people can meet outdoors in a public place. Masks must be worn. There is no limit on the number of households those people come from.

Hospitality venues

Restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs can open for seated and unseated service.

They must use electronic record keeping and apply the two square metre rule to ensure that customers have enough room to keep 1.5 metres between themselves and others. There are no other limits on the number of customers. Venues can have up to 25 people before the density quotient applies.

Gyms

In gyms, the density limit is now 1 person per 4 square metres if staffed, with exercise classes limited to 50 indoors and 100 outdoors.

Community facilities

New density limits of 1 person per 2 square metres will apply for community facilities, like libraries, RSLs, and community halls. This is subject to the use of electronic record keeping.

Restrictions are subject to changes at any time. Go to www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or call the 24-hour hotline 1800 675 398 for the latest updates.

To see the full restrictions that now apply, please visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covidsafe-summer and for the latest COVID-19 exposure sites, please visit: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/case-locations-and-outbreaks.

Here are the latest Roadmaps towards COVID Normal.

The Roadmap to Recovery(PDF, 160KB)
The Roadmap for Reopening Businesses in Regional Victoria

Case numbers for Surf Coast Shire

From the Victorian Government

You can stay up to date on the current case numbers in Surf Coast Shire by viewing the Victoria case numbers by location’.

View the latest information about active cases
View the full Victorian case numbers by location and current high-risk locations and outbreaks.

(Please note: Council only has the numbers as published by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which reports based on municipality. For privacy reasons, the department does not provide us with specific details of each case)

How to stay informed about COVID-19 developments

The Department of Health and Human Services remains the lead Victorian agency dealing with the coronavirus disease, so we encourage you to stay informed directly through:

The DHHS website
The Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 (open 24 hours, 7 days)
The official Government Easy Read coronavirus resources.

From the Commonwealth Government

“Coronavirus Australia” app, available on Apple and Android devices
WhatsApp channel, which you can access by entering aus.gov.au/whatsapp into your internet browser.
Head to Health website (how to maintain good mental health during the coronavirus pandemic)

Other information sources

VicEmergency advice notification
Consumer Affairs Victoria “COVID-19 and your rights” webpage

Where and when to be tested for COVID-19

Feeling unwell? Get tested

Anyone experiencing symptoms, however mild, should be tested for COVID-19.
The symptoms are:

Fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, loss of sense of smell, headache, muscle soreness. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered.

For more advice or to find out where to get tested:

Call the 24-hour coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398
Go to www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested-coronavirus-covid-19, which also has a map of where to be tested near your location
Call your local doctor

Local testing locations:

Torquay Community Health Centre (open 9.00am - 5.30pm seven days a week).
Address: 100 Surfcoast Hwy, Torquay
Phone Number: (03) 4215 7800
Lorne Community Hospital (open for testing between 9am – 4pm daily, by appointment only).
Address: Albert Street, Lorne
Phone Number: (03) 5289 4300
Colac Hospital (Emergency Department is open 24 hours/7 days a week):
Address: 2-28 Connor St, Colac
Phone Number: (03) 5232 5100
Barwon Health (Emergency Department is open 24 hours/7 days a week):
Address: Bellerine Street, Geelong
Phone Number: (03) 4215 0000

Children 0-5 years of age will need to attend a screening at a hospital testing station.

Reporting wrong-doing

Victoria Police are out in force keeping Victorians safe. To report people suspected of not following restrictions set by the Chief Health Officer, please call 131 444. Alleged breaches can also be reported online at www.police.vic.gov.au/palolr.

Tell us how you have been affected by COVID-19 in our COVID-19 Impact Survey.

Latest news from Surf Coast Shire Council

Watch Dr Rob Gordon, a clinical psychologist who has spent the past 30 years working with people affected by emergencies and disasters, explain the value of community leaders in the COVID-19 pandemic: