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It has been confirmed that regional Victoria last saw a COVID-19 case with an unknown source on September 1.
Regional Victoria must see no new cases of mystery origin for 14 days before it can move to step three of the government's reopening plan, which would allow larger gatherings, the resumption of intrastate travel, and the reopening of restaurants and cafes for some dine-in service.
To take this step, the 14-day average of daily new cases must be under five. On Sunday, it was 4.1.
On Sunday morning Premier Daniel Andrews said, for a second day running, that regional Victoria had recorded no new COVID-19 cases.
Department of Health and Human Services data shows Macedon Ranges Shire's tally has risen from 57 to 58 between Saturday and Sunday, but it is possible this is an existing case that has been reclassified.
Cases are attributed to the residential address of the person who tests positive.
The DHHS figures show one active case in Greater Bendigo and one in Macedon Ranges Shire.
There are no other active cases in central Victoria.
2.50pm
Greater Bendigo now has only one active COVID-19 case, one fewer than Saturday.
But Sunday afternoon's data release from the Department of Health and Human Services shows an active case in Macedon Ranges, and the total number of cases for the municipality has risen by one since Saturday.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday morning there were no new cases in regional Victoria overnight.
The Bendigo Advertiser has sought clarification on this.
There are no changes elsewhere in the region.
11.40am
Regional Victoria has seen no new COVID-19 cases overnight, for the second day running.
Premier Daniel Andrews has again said regional Victoria could move to 'step three' of the government's reopening plan in the coming week, if it continues on this path.
"It looks likely that in just a few days' time, regional Victoria will be able to take another step," Mr Andrews said on Sunday.
To reach step three, the 14-day rolling average of new daily cases must be below five, and there have to be no new cases of unknown origin for two weeks.
Currently, regional Victoria's 14-day new case average sits at 4.1.
Mr Andrews said a COVID-19 case was attributed to Horsham because of the affected person's address, but this person had been in Melbourne for months and acquired the virus in Melbourne.
He said this would not affect regional Victoria's progress along the path to reopening.
The Victorian government has also announced a new $3 billion support package for business.
This includes $1.1 billion in cash grants for small and medium-sized businesses and tax relief.
Eligible businesses with payrolls of up to $10 million will receive grants of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000, depending on their size.
There will be a $251 million fund to support licensed venues.
Eligible venues in regional Victoria will receive grants of $10,000 to $25,000, depending on their venue's capacity.
Payroll tax for businesses of payrolls up to $10 million will be deferred for the full 2020-21 financial year.
The package also includes a $20 million program to support small businesses adapt to online and digital operation.
Across Victoria, there are currently 1157 active cases, 52 of which are in regional Victoria.
As of Saturday, there were just two active cases in central Victoria, both in Greater Bendigo.
Earlier
Another 41 people in Victoria have tested positive for COVID-19, while sadly seven more people have died.
The regional-metro breakdown of these cases has not yet been disclosed, but on Saturday it was reported there had been no new cases in regional Victoria since the previous day.
Central Victoria had just two active cases as of Saturday, both of which were in the City of Greater Bendigo.
Premier Daniel Andrews has said regional Victoria is on track to take not one but two steps easing out of restrictions, under the government's reopening plan.
From 11.59pm Sunday, regional Victoria will take 'step two' in the plan.
This will mean single adults living alone can have a nominated person visit them at home, up to five people from two households can meet outdoors, and outdoor playgrounds and pools can reopen.
To reach the third step, the average number of new daily cases over two weeks must sit below five, and there must be no new cases with an unknown source for 14 days.
On Saturday, Mr Andrews said regional Victoria looked set to take this step within the coming week.
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