Bendigo's last active COVID-19 case was recorded on September 24, but that is no cause for complacency, according to an infectious diseases specialist.
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Bendigo Health's Dr Andrew Mahony said central Victorians must remain vigilant, with a threat of the virus being reintroduced into the community possible, given the nature of essential worker movements between the region and Melbourne.
Fitted face masks became mandatory on Monday, replacing a range of previously permitted face coverings, including scarves and face shields.
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Dr Mahony said masks are an important tool in curtailing the virus' spread, protecting the wearer and those around them.
"With fitted face masks, there is no uncertainty as to whether what you're using is doing what it's supposed to be," Dr Mahony said.
"A mask primarily protects others because you may have asymptomatic COVID-19 or be in a period where you might develop symptoms and you're still contagious."
Dr Mahony pointed to the recent Kilmore outbreak when referencing the potential reemergence of COVID-19 in Bendigo.
"There are essential workers travelling to and from Melbourne and regional Victoria and given the nature of their work, there is still a possibility of the virus being reintroduced," he said.
On September 27, Premier Daniel Andrews said fitted face masks would become mandatory.
Lawful excuses and exemptions for not wearing a face mask still apply, while infants and children under the age of 12 won't be permitted to wear a face mask. The penalty for not wearing a mask without a lawful excuse is $200.
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"Masks have been a critical part of reducing the spread of coronavirus and will be even more important as restrictions ease and people will start moving more freely," Mr Andrews said.
The Premier flagged a further easing of coronavirus restrictions in regional Victoria as the state's top public servant, the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Chris Eccles, resigned effective immediately on Monday in the wake of the hotel quarantine inquiry.
Deputy Secretary Jeremi Moule will assume Mr Eccles' role in an interim capacity.
Mr Moule is a former Bendigo journalist who worked at the ABC and WIN News. He also served as CEO of Continuing Education Bendigo and as an elite-level women's basketball coach in both Bendigo and Adelaide.