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
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:
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
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:
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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:
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:
COVID-19-related media releases from Council
11 August, 2020: Deans Marsh artist brings light relief with virtual Krazy Koala Kids Show
6 August, 2020: Sam's COVID story
17 July, 2020: Council urges caution and compassion during latest phase of COVID-19 pandemic
16 July, 2020: Council's PORTAL Postcards project spreads its wings
30 June, 2020: Winchelsea’s Globe Theatre repurposed for COVID-19 testing blitz
24 June, 2020: Council establishes COVID-19 Recovery Assistance Grants Program
4 June, 2020: New program a win-win for local businesses
27 May, 2020: COVID-19 Recovery Assistance Guidelines adopted
26 May, 2020: Playgrounds, skate parks back in action – with restrictions
22 May, 2020: Australian National Surfing Museum now running virtual tours for schools
19 May, 2020: Isolation CD hits the right note for youth
12 May, 2020: Council reopening recreation spaces with gathering and hygiene restrictions
11 May, 2020: Jan Juc outdoor performance space designs complete
11 May, 2020: Olympic gold medallist to speak at National Volunteer Week webinar event
8 May, 2020: Local road upgrades get underway
8 May, 2020: Council and medical professionals encourage COVID-19 testing
5 May, 2020: All in this together: help is available
28 April, 2020: A community focus - draft budget adopted
28 April, 2020: COVID-19 support package adopted
27 April, 2020: Taking the lead: youth leadership program launches
24 April, 2020: COVID-19 support package a key feature of Council’s draft Budget 2020-21
23 April, 2020: Council postpones new waste system
23 April, 2020: First-Time Parent Groups go online
23 April, 2020: Special Council meeting
22 April, 2020: Council and Surfing Victoria unite on ANZAC weekend message: spread out to stop the spread
9 April, 2020: Surf Coast Arts Trail to take a new format this year
8 April, 2020: Council's Easter message: Stay home to stay safe
1 April, 2020: Changes to beach car park and access road changes
31 March, 2020: Buy Surf Coast website makes it easy to support local businesses
30 March, 2020: Beach, road, car park closures seek people to stay at home
26 March, 2020: Council seeks people to stay home
25 March 2020: Council targeting accommodation pandemic risk
24 March, 2020: Council suspends kindergarten terms
17 March, 2020: Cash-free transfer stations to target infection risks
17 March, 2020: Council meeting cancelled and further changes in services
16 March, 2020: Supporting our community
13 March, 2020: Surf Coast Shire Council initial actions on COVID-19 advance