Victoria’s premier Dan Andrews announced today that the hard state lockdown will be extended until September 23. However he also announced that the hard lockdown in regional Victoria could end next week.

“If we put Shepparton to one side for the moment and talk about the rest of regional Victoria, we will be able to end the lockdown in the rest of regional Victoria next week,” said the Premier during today’s press conference.

“Exactly when, we’ll confirm as soon as we can.”

While this leaves some hope for ski resorts to operate for locals the Premier also warned that Shepparton would stay in hard lockdown and that the remaining region will still face significant restrictions.

Meanwhile the urban lockdown will continue until at least September 23, the date the government believes will mean 70 per cent of the population will have at least one vaccination.

Come September 23 and Victorians will extend their 5km bubble to 10km and exercise will increase to three hours a day. Skate parks and outdoor gyms will reopen and childminding for school age children also allowed.

Playgrounds will also reopen this Friday.

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