Locals urged to take restrictions seriously

“The decrease in people from outside Mitchell Shire coming into town will reduce the probability of locals contracting the virus by community transfer,” she said.

“The concern is the virus can now be contracted via community transfer. This was not the situation during the first lockdown phase, as the cases being presented came mostly from travellers returning overseas and their immediate close contacts.

“It is frustrating being in lockdown due to our geographical location on the edge of the Mitchell Shire, especially when most of the coronavirus cases are further south from Seymour.”

Ms Jarman said she expected the wearing of masks in public would become mandatory in the near future.

“Most people are aware of the need for social distancing and the use of hand sanitiser as preventative measures in contracting coronavirus,” she said.

“The wearing of masks is currently optional although health experts are recommending they be worn when social distancing is not possible.

“We’re all hopeful this six-week lockdown phase will help gain control of the spread of coronavirus. Time will tell.”