June 4, 2021

From 11.59pm last night, a number of restrictions eased in regional Victoria. This will no doubt come as a big relief for many in our community.

Below is a summary of the new restrictions:

• The five reasons to leave home are lifted – you can leave home for any reason
• Masks must be worn indoors – except at home or for those with exemptions – and outdoors where physical distancing can’t be maintained
• No private gatherings permitted in the home (intimate partner/single bubble excluded)
• Outdoor public gatherings limited to 10 people
• School returns for all year levels
• General retail open, with density quotients
• Hospitality open for seated service, patron cap of 50, group size of 10, with density quotients in place
• Religious ceremonies and funerals can have up to 50 people, with density quotients 
• Weddings capped at 10 people
• Indoor sport and recreation, play centres and similar venues closed
• Outdoor community sport permitted for children, training only for adults 

More information about restrictions is available here.

I have also written to the South Australian Premier to ask that he recognises the easing of restrictions in regional Victoria and revises his state’s border rules appropriately, particularly in relation to cross border community members currently being unable to travel outside the 70km zone border zone on the Victorian side.

If you need any help interpreting the directions or accessing supports, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with my office on 5382 0097 or email [email protected]

Take care and be kind,
Emma

RESTRICTIONS

INTERSTATE TRAVEL
South Australia
At the time of writing, entry to South Australia is limited to essential travellers (which includes cross border community members). Cross border community members are able to enter South Australia and travel anywhere within the state, but must remain within 70km of the border on the Victorian side. I have written to the South Australian Premier to ask that cross border community members be able to travel anywhere within regional Victoria without it affecting their entry to SA.
You can access the current South Australian directions here.

Other states

• NSW – Victorians allowed to enter, but are subject to restrictions. Which restrictions apply depend on where in Victoria you have been.
• Tasmania – all of Victoria declared as high risk. Victorians not permitted to enter unless they are deemed an essential traveller.
• Queensland – all of Victoria declared a hotspot. Victorians are not permitted to enter unless they are deemed an essential traveller.
• NT – All of Victoria declared a hotspot. Anyone travelling from Victoria from noon on June 3 must undertake 14 days of quarantine.
• WA – Victoria is considered a medium-risk site, which means Victorians need an exemption to enter.
• ACT – Anyone travelling from Victoria must have an exemption to enter.

CASE NUMBERS
At the time of writing, there are 72 active COVID-19 cases in our state, none of which are in regional Victoria. 

COVID-19 TESTING LOCATIONS
Wimmera Health Care Group COVID Clinic
At Wimmera Base Hospital, Horsham, Read Street.
Open daily from 9am to noon. No booking needed.
 
Horsham Respiratory Clinic
148 Baillie St (next to Lister House Medical Clinic)
Call 5382 0011 or visit the website here to make a booking.
 
Western District Health Service drive-through testing service
At Hamilton Base Hospital, entry via Foster Street.
Open between 10am and noon Monday to Saturday.
No appointment necessary.

VACCINATION CENTRES
Western Victorian Primary Health Network has a list of GP clinics that can provide COVID vaccines, which you can access here. You can also call your local GP or hospital to find out if and when the vaccine will be available in your local area.
A list of state-run vaccination centres is available here. More centres are being added to this list regularly.
To check your eligibility for a COVID vaccine, visit the Australia Government’s website here.

WHERE TO ACCESS HELP

• dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus contains information about restrictions and health advice, and also has links to relevant financial assistance and support
• The Victorian Coronavirus Hotline – 1800 675 398
• Rural Financial Counselling Service Wimmera South West – 1300 735 578 or visit wswrcs.com.au
• Head to Health provides links to trusted online and phone mental health supports and resources
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Headspace – Horsham, for people aged between 12 and 25: 5381 1543
• Safe Steps crisis line – 1800 015 188