Victoria’s COVID Cases Dip As Geelong And Surf Coast Exit Snap Lockdown

Victoria reported a slight drop with 705 new locally acquired COVID cases on Monday and sadly one death.

It comes as Geelong and the Surf Coast Shire enjoy their first day of freedom after a week-long snap lockdown.

Furthermore, over the weekend, Premier Daniel Andrews revealed a meagre easing of restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria which will come into effect from Wednesday.

These include the travel radius extended from 10 to 15 kilometres, with contactless outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, boating and basketball will resume with COVID health restrictions adhered to.

Meanwhile, the 'vaccinated economy' trials are set to commence in the next few weeks across parts of regional Victoria.

The 'no jab, no entry' rules will allow pubs, clubs and venues to open with 30 fully vaccinated people indoors and 100 outdoors, with proof of a double jab via electronic or hard copy vaccination passport.

Commencing on October 11, the double-dose passport trials will occur in approved businesses across 20 LGA's with high vaccination rates including the Bass Coast, Greater Bendigo, the Pyrenees, Warrnambool, Buloke and East Gippsland.

'Support officers' will also be deployed to support the trial, as staff undergo training in how to enforce the new rules.

The trial will pave the way for future 'vaccinated economy' road tests, particularly as Victoria edge towards the 80 per cent target.

For Australians looking for intelligent and unbiased news coverage, join renowned journalist Natarsha Belling on Your Morning Agenda for breaking national and international stories as well as the top business and finance stories - every weekday from 6:30am on Listnr