2.45pm THERE are no new COVID-19 cases in central Victoria. Data from the Department of Health and Human Services released on Wednesday showed only one active case in Greater Bendigo and another active case in the Macedon Ranges Shire. There were no active coronavirus cases in the Mount Alexander, Central Goldfields, Gannawarra, Loddon, Campaspe, and Buloke shires. Read more: A DHHS spokesperson said the average number of cases diagnosed in the past 14 days for regional Victoria was 3.5. There was only one mystery COVID-19 case listed in regional Victoria. The local government area case breakdown came as the regions prepared to move to step three of the roadmap to reopening. A number of restrictions will be eased in regional Victoria from 11.59pm on Wednesday. Earlier The Department of Health and Human Services has recorded 42 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours. It brings Victoria's total number of cases to 19,953. Yesterday, the state had 1040 active cases including 43 in regional Victoria. There have also been eight COVID-19 deaths overnight bringing the overall tally to 737. Related The new cases come as regional Victoria prepares to re-open from 11.59pm tonight. Regional Victoria's rolling 14-day average number of new cases now stands at 3.5. The last mystery COVID-19 case in regional Victoria was identified on September 1. Victorian premier Daniel Andrews announced regional Victoria will take the next step in the state's recovery roadmap. "We know regional Victoria has done a mighty job that allows us to open up," Mr Andrews said. "This is a great day for regional Victorians. I'm proud of regional Victorians and grateful to regional Victorians." Related The announcement means the four reasons to leave home under stage three restrictions no longer apply. Retail businesses will re-open, students will return to schools from term four and hospitality businesses will be able to seat patrons. Gathering limits will increase to groups of 10 outdoors and households can have five visitors from one household at a time. We have removed our paywall from this story about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists, subscribe here.
