By Luke Voogt
Geelong recorded its first new coronavirus case in more than a fortnight over the weekend, ahead of state-wide restrictions easing at midnight on Tuesday.
The city had one case confirmed before midnight on Saturday bringing its total to 64, after remaining level on 63 since April 21.
The number remained on 64 as of midnight yesterday, meaning Geelong has one confirmed active coronavirus case, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
The result comes as the state total increased by seven to 1494, including 77 cases linked to the Cedar Meats outbreak.
One of the seven new cases was related to the outbreak, while four were returned overseas travellers and two were still under investigation, according to the department.
The state total includes 793 males and 700 females, with cases ranging from infants to people in their 90s.
Eighteen Victorians, aged from their 50s to 90s, have died after contracting coronavirus.
Currently, seven people are in hospital, including five patients in intensive care, and 1360 people have recovered.
In Victoria 161 confirmed cases may have been acquired through community transmission with more than 245,000 Victorians tested so far, according to the department.
A fortnight-long “testing blitz” had confirmed 30 cases that would have otherwise gone undiagnosed, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said earlier today.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos today announced $20 million for measures including new rapid response teams and another 50,000 tests to be conducted this week.
Of the 1494 cases, 1229 occurred in metropolitan Melbourne and 221 in regional Victoria. Several cases remain under investigation.
Earlier today Mr Andrews announced Victorians would be able to have up to five visitors at home as of 11.59pm on Tuesday night.
The easing of restrictions will also allow people to gather in groups of up to ten outdoors, while maintaining physical distancing.
Weddings and religious services will be able to have up to ten attendees while up to 20 people will be able to attend funerals, or 30 if held outdoors.
People will be able to play golf, kick a footy and go fishing and hiking in groups of up to 10, provided they maintain social distancing.
Mr Andrews said the new rules allowed training for community sport in groups of ten with physical distancing and he recommended disinfecting all shared equipment.
Restaurants and cafes will be open for takeaway only, while camping and overnight stays outside of home will remain prohibited.
National and state parks will open for hiking, fishing, hunting, prospecting, diving, boating and other recreational activities for groups of up to 10.
Mr Andrews foreshadowed a gradual return to face-to-face teaching before the end of term 2, depending on the result of the new restrictions.
He also foreshadowed a potential return of the AFL, with professional sport to resume training this week.
The revised restrictions would remain in place until May 31, Mr Andrews said.
