The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has today announced lockdown will end for the City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Shire at 11.59pm tonight.
A range of City facilities will be able to reopen from Monday 27 September 2021 as restrictions ease.
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan welcomed the easing of restrictions and the great efforts community members have made in getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
Today’s news will come as a big relief for Greater Geelong residents and businesses, who have all done an incredible job in following restrictions and turning out in large numbers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
With some active cases in our region, we remind residents to monitor local exposure sites, keep updated via Barwon Health and the Department of Health websites and follow the health advice as needed.
While it’s still a long road ahead, getting vaccinated is the most important thing we can do to progress through the government’s roadmap to reopening the state.
Under the changes, the City is preparing to open the following venues, subject to visitor caps:
- City-owned indoor centres, outdoor group training and outdoor pools;
- Community hubs and halls;
- Customer Service Centres (Corio, Drysdale and Brougham St, Geelong)
- City-owned golf courses;
- National Wool Museum;
- The fOrT;
- Belmont Market; and
- The Potato Shed.
Residents should visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au or contact the individual facilities for specific details on their operations.
Further easing of COVID-19 restrictions is set to come into effect at 11.59pm Tuesday 28 September 2021 when the state reaches its 80 per cent first dose vaccination target.
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said the milestone was a step forward, while acknowledging the continuing impact on businesses and the community.
It will continue to be a challenging and long road ahead for many businesses until we reach the 80 per cent fully vaccinated target and can welcome Melbourne visitors back.
As businesses continue to face capacity restrictions, we encourage residents to grab some takeaway, shop local and support local wherever possible.
Another way we can support businesses is to act with kindness and follow the COVID-safe measures in place at each venue.
Residents are also urged to get tested straight away if they experience any symptoms.
Early testing is an important tool for our public health officials to keep on top of this.
Thank you to the residents who have done the right thing and got tested early and isolated – you’ve potentially saved others from becoming unwell and you’ve also helped this latest lockdown to end.
Anyone who is yet to book for a COVID-19 vaccination is strongly urged to do so today.
Vaccination is the only way out of this cycle of lockdowns and we can all help ourselves, our families, friends and community by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
COVID-19 vaccinations at the Norlane community hub can be booked at the Barwon Health website.
Transport assistance is available for people who may have difficulties getting to a vaccination centre. Inquiries should be made to Volunteering Geelong on 5221 1377.
Please monitor the COVID-19 exposure sites and follow directions if you have attended a site in the exposure period. Visit the Barwon Health website for local testing sites.
