Relaxing COVID-19 restrictions in regional areas with low and no cases of the virus was a real possibility –five days ago – however with news of a suspected case in Orbost, that may be put on the backburner.

On Friday, Premier Dan Andrews told the Bairnsdale Advertiser it was still his aim, subject to the numbers presenting in regional areas, to move to “what might be termed a more generous set of restrictions in regional Victoria”.

Ironically, the Premier also said it would be “at the appropriate time, but I can indicate it won’t be next week”.

However, easing restrictions would be subject to a number of conditions and the use of an “abundance of caution”.

“We need to jealously guard the fact regional Victoria is in a strong position with a low-virus status,” Premier Andrews said.

“Once we get further into multiple 14-day cycles in the Melbourne setting of less cases, if we’re continuing to see low numbers and we have a high degree of confidence that we’re containing it, then there is a strong case to say okay, let’s try and do a different set of rules for regional Victoria.”

Regional Victorians are now encouraged to wear facemasks in public if there is a risk they may not be able to maintain a 1.5-metre distance from other people.

In Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire it is mandatory to wear a mask from tomorrow.

The Premier held the Zoom press conference with regional journalists in lieu of traveling to regional areas.

Each region had specific issues with journalists allowed one question each.

The Premier’s response to the Advertiser was in regards to the question whether he would consider allowing bushfire-affected communities in particular, to host something like a simple barbecue at a football field. 

“There’s no arguing the point that East Gippsland and the High Country obviously came to this global pandemic with some pretty significant challenges, trying to get through one of the worst fire seasons we’ve ever seen,” he said.

“Activity (like a barbecue) does provide people an important social connection, and an environment where people can be looking out for each other, connecting with each other.”

He said if there was any risk that might lead to a loss of control of transmission in regional Victoria, the government would obviously err on the side of caution.

“I don’t think we’re quite at that point yet but it’s still our intention to try and get to those settings it’s just a matter of when that can be safely done.”

IMAGE: Premier Daniel Andrews hosted an online media conference for regional journalists on Friday and answered questions specific to each region. The Advertiser asked if he would consider allowing the region the opportunity to hold larger social gatherings considering the lack of COVID-19 cases. What would you have asked him?