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CHIEF Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton said regional Victoria is 'on track' to having some restrictions eased next week.
At the press conference on Saturday, he said residents needed to "be alert" over the next few weeks.
"The regions are on track for some level of easing," Dr Sutton said.
"We are always alert, as should the regions be, to the risk that's coming through. That will remain so I hope no one driving drops their guard in the regions.
"I know they fiercely protect their COVID-free status that many of them have had for a long time."
"That risk will be managed through the public health directions as well in terms of the limitations of movement for Melburnians, but it will also be around the constraints to essential worker's movements and the like."
He also said yesterday was the second biggest day ever for vaccinations in Victoria with 35,464 administered across the state.
The CHO reminded people supermarket visits should be conducted by one member of one household, once a day and COVID-safe practices should be undertaken.
"While they aren't inherently high risk, they are high volume for our contacts," he said.
Other states:
"That means many thousands of Victorians will shop alongside those who are not yet diagnosed with COVID-19.
"Think about minimising your exposure, keeping your distance."
Dr Sutton pled for Victorians to come forward and get tested, before it's too late.
"Testing doesn't make you positive, getting infected is what makes you positive," he said.
"Getting tested is what allows you to protect your family, to get early treatment as required and to make sure this doesn't spread any further than it needs to."
There are now 76 people in hospital, 23 in the ICU and 14 are on ventilators.
None of the COVID patients being treated in hospital are fully vaccinated.
Four of these cases are in Shepparton.
Earlier
Victoria has recorded 190 new coronavirus cases since Friday.
The new COVID-19 cases included 103 that are linked to known cases and outbreaks and none acquired overseas.
Read more:
Friday also bought 49,548 test results to Victorians as well as 35,464 vaccinations being administered.
Victoria's active coronavirus case tally now sits at 1,301.
These cases come as Premier Daniel Andrews says unvaccinated Victorians will not be welcome at many venues once the state reaches its double dose thresholds.
It will happen even though wider community lockdowns will be far less relevant, he said.
That might seem a bit harsh, but I've said this before and I will make the point again, I am not going to lock the whole state down to protect people who would not protect themselves," Mr Andrews said.
"Yes, there is some supply issues with vaccine at the moment, but by the time we get to 70 or 80 per cent, everybody who was to be vaccinated would have been given an opportunity to do so.
"So I think if you are not vaccinated, and you could be, the chances of you booking a ticket at a sporting event, going to a pub, go to out and about to different places, will be very limited."
The comments come after Mr Andrews spoke with prime minister Scott Morrison about the path out of lockdown on Wednesday evening.
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