May 26, 2020
The next steps for easing COVID-19 restrictions have been announced, and are due to be implemented in June. These changes will affect many businesses – including cafes, pubs and restaurants – and also see new rules for public gatherings, sport, and overnight stays.
The first phase of these changes will occur from June 1, and the second phase from June 22.
A summary of these changes is below.
Separately, today saw students in some year levels return to school, while public playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skate parks were allowed to reopen with a limit of 10 people.
The further easing of restrictions will be a welcome relief for many people. As we start to return to some of the things we have been unable to enjoy in the past few months, you are encouraged to continue to take all appropriate measures to stay safe, maintain physical distance and use common sense.
The current stay-at-home directions still apply until midnight on May 31.
More information about the Victorian directions and restrictions is available here.
SCHOOLS
Students in prep, grade 1, grade 2, specialist school students, and students completing VCE or VCAL returned to face-to-face learning today. Students in all other year levels will return to school on June 9.
This will come as a relief to many families and teachers, and I hope the transition back to school is a smooth and positive one for all.
Schools will be sanitised and cleaned more regularly, and physical distancing and congregation measures will be in place among staff.
COVID-19 CASES
Today the state government announced that Northern Grampians Shire had recorded one new case of COVID-19. This is currently the only active case in our electorate. All other previously recorded cases in Lowan have recovered.
COVID-19 RECOVERY
The Victorian Liberal Nationals last week released their plan to rebuild our economies and communities. Our Plan to get Victorians Back to Work and Back in Business puts forward practical measures the state government can take to help achieve this. You can read more at vicn.at/plan.
Victorian Parliament has passed legislation that provides an additional $24.5 billion in emergency funding over the next two years to support Victoria’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is vital that our electorate gets a fair share of this money.
Last month I wrote to local organisations, clubs and community groups to ask them to nominate priority projects for our region.
This is a once-in-a-life time opportunity to secure funding for the projects we so desperately need to build a strong future for our region.
If you are part of a local group and would like to provide your input on which projects should be funded, please email me at [email protected] or call my office on 5382 0097.
WHERE TO ACCESS HELP
There are a number of websites and services that can help you understand current restrictions and access relevant support if you need it.
WE’RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU
My team and I are only a phone call or email away if you need help interpreting restrictions or finding relevant support, or if you require assistance with any other state government query. You can reach us by emailing [email protected] or by calling 5382 0097.
Take care,
Emma
