QUICK management of a cluster case of COVID-19 in Shepparton has seen the Murrumbidgee Local Health District set a good example with no new cases found to cross the border.
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Following the three COVID-19 cases found in Shepparton last week, close to 8000 additional tests were conducted by the MLHD, with zero positive results.
MLHD Medical Director Len Bruce said the "good news" was testament to the Shepparton community.
"They have clearly followed the rules of social distancing, mask wearing and hand hygiene so they've managed to control the outbreak very effectively," he said.
"There have been in excess of 150 COVID-19 tests conducted, mostly in those Border regions, in the last 24 hours which have all come back as negative."
Dr Bruce did urge constant vigilance of the community though, both in and around the border region.
"There are still a few more days to go to clear the 14 days after those cases were identified, so the important thing is to follow the rules," he said.
In the 24 hours to Tuesday morning, the MLHD had not recorded any new cases, with a further 186 tests conducted.
Restrictions will ease across the state as of Friday, October 23, to allow 30 people to gather in outdoor areas, while group bookings of up to 30 people will be allowed at restaurants and pubs.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday said she hoped the changes would improve people's freedom, but not cause recklessness.
"We're trying to make things as free as possible for our citizens but it's really important to maintain that level of COVID safety," she told reporters.
"Until the end of the pandemic, none of us can have a normal life.
"But what we can do is make sure we maintain COVID safety and [that] within the rules we have as good a time, as free a time, as possible."
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Dr Bruce commended the community on their compliance to allow for eased restrictions, but urged caution to avoid a turn for the worse.
"We don't want to be in a position where we have to take a step backwards," he said.
"We've seen what is happening in Europe where they are going back to where they were six or seven months ago, and we don't want that."
With HSC exams starting across the region, Dr Bruce also reminded students feeling unwell or expressing cold and flu like symptoms that they must get tested.
"If you do have those symptoms, you will not be able to enter the exam venue," he said.
"Contact the Covid Hotline and your test will be prioritised. We want you to be able to do your exam, be successful and go to university next year, so if you do ring, please mention you are doing your HSC exams so we can get your results back as soon as possible."