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THERE are still only two active COVID-19 cases in central Victoria.
Data from the Department of Health and Human Services released on Monday showed no new coronavirus cases in the regions.
There was only one active case listed in Greater Bendigo and another case in the Macedon Ranges Shire.
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There were no new or active cases in the Mount Alexander, Central Goldfields, Gannawarra, Campaspe, Loddon, and Buloke Shires.
A DHHS spokesperson said the average number of cases diagnosed in the past 14 days in regional Victoria was 3.9.
Premier Daniel Andrews on Monday noted a further easing of restrictions remained on track for regional Victoria.
11.30am
Regional Victoria could move to the next step of the COVID-19 roadmap this week, as Premier Daniel Andrews paid tribute to the hard work and determination of all regional Victorians in reducing COVID-19 case numbers.
There are no new COVID-19 cases in regional Victoria on Monday, with 47 active cases in the regions.
A further easing of restrictions remains on track for regional Victoria, with a 14-day rolling COVID-19 case average of 3.9.
"We will have more to say tomorrow and hopefully we will have no mystery cases between now and then," Mr Andrews said.
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"This is the nature of these things, because you have to hit the target before you can make the decision," Mr Andrews said, about the short notice that will be provided to people, should the next step in the COVID-19 roadmap be taken.
"I think that is preferable to making people wait," he said.
"Hopefully we can have some very good news for regional Victorians tomorrow."
Conditions to move to the next step of the COVID-19 roadmap are an average of fewer than five new cases in 14 days and no cases of unknown source.
"Regional Victoria is on the cusp of taking the next step," Mr Andrews said.
"We are very pleased to think we will be able to take those big steps, but safe steps."
The next step of the roadmap, the Third Step, includes hospitality changing from takeaway and delivery only to predominately outdoor seated dining and no restrictions on reasons to leave home.
A $290 million package to support businesses and sole traders, including up to $5000 to assist hospitality businesses prepare for more outdoor dining was announced on Monday morning.
The Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package will provide $87.5 million to regional councils and businesses to make widespread outdoor dining safe and practical this summer.
Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula said the $5000 grants, available to licensed and unlicensed cafes, restaurants, takeaway food businesses, pubs, taverns, bars and clubs with a payroll of less than $3 million will help pay for umbrellas, outdoor furniture, screens and other equipment, the Premier said.
"These grants will also support sole traders, those in accommodation, tourism, media and film production, gyms and private entertainment," Mr Pakula said.
Major regional city councils, including Bendigo, are eligible for $500,000 in assistance, as part of a $29.5 million fund for local councils.
Councils can pass on this money to businesses in the form of reducing or waiving permit fees or invested in infrastructure such as streetscaping and lighting.
Earlier
Victoria has taken the second step in the state governments COVID-19 recovery roadmap.
The easing of restrictions comes as the state recorded 35 new cases and seven deaths in the past 24 hours.
It takes the state total to 19,870 cases and 730 deaths.
Greater Bendigo and the Macedon Ranges each now have one active case of coronavirus according to data released by the Department of Health and Human Services on Sunday.
Restrictions eased as of midnight Sunday night with regional Victorians now able to socialise with one other household outdoors and people living along able to nominate one person to join their social bubble.
Other changes include the re-opening of playgrounds and outdoor pools and a staged return to school from Term 4.
Regional Victoria is also expected to that the third step in the recovery roadmap this week.
Taking the third step is reliant on the 14-day average of new cases is under five and there have been no new mystery cases in the past fortnight.
Currently, regional Victoria's 14-day new case average sits at 4.1.
The last mystery case in regional Victoria was recorded in September 1.
"It looks likely that in just a few days' time, regional Victoria will be able to take another step," Victorian premier Daniel Andrews said on Sunday.
