This week, our nation took the first gentle steps towards easing back on the regime of harsh restrictions that have been the norm for several months, with some states and territories relaxing rules around gatherings and travel.

Our nation's response to the coronavirus pandemic is envied around the world, and Australians deserve to be thanked for acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and for largely following the rules and doing what's been asked of us all.

Thankfully, predictions of casualties vastly outweighing the number of available ventilators have not come to be, and while the state government's strict adherence and steadfast refusal to so far ease back on restrictions that have undoubtedly helped stop the spread of the coronavirus and likely saved an unknown number of lives is not without criticism, safety first, for now, is sensible.

Victoria's more conservative path will see the state remain essentially in lockdown until May 11 when the present state of emergency will almost certainly change.

Bendigo Health has recorded just 9 confirmed cases of COVID-19, but we have all seen what can happen if the virus gets a foothold in any community, especially one as vulnerable as a nursing home or aged care facility. That explains, at least partially, why our state remains cautious.

Of the 6746 confirmed cases in Australia, 5685 have recovered from COVID-19 and more than 3.3 million people have downloaded the COVIDSafe app since its launch, as of last night.

Our economic recovery must now become a key focus and all eyes will be on today's National Cabinet meeting. Businesses want to re-open after being in hibernation for more than a month and measures to support this should emerge today.

The recovery will happen - but none of us should expect something so important to be achieved too easily or quickly.