WITH a high amount of COVID-19 cases still being recorded in Melbourne, it is imperative testing in Sunraysia is expanded to include anyone who has visited, or had visitors from the greater metropolitan region regardless of symptoms.

Member for Mildura Ali Cupper said there had been many visitors to the region from Melbourne during the school holidays, while others from the Mildura electorate had recently visited the city.

“At the moment you can only get tested if you have symptoms,” Ms Cupper said.

“There are now more than 1400 active cases of COVID-19 in Victoria, although thankfully the Mildura electorate has at this stage been spared.

“The best way to ensure that continues is for anyone who has been to Melbourne, or has recently had contact with someone from Melbourne, to get tested even if they don’t currently have symptoms.”

Ms Cupper pointed to visitors from Melbourne having tested positive while on holidays in other areas – including interstate – in recent weeks as a reason why anyone who had been to the metropolitan area, and not just the hotspots, should be able to get tested.

COVID-19 can be spread up to two days before people show symptoms, while many others remain asymptomatic.

“The current outbreak shows just how quickly this virus can spread, and the amount of community transmission in Victoria is concerning.”

Meanwhile, Ms Cupper has again urged anyone in border communities to ensure they have a permit to cross the Murray River into NSW with authorities there reportedly ramping up enforcement over the weekend.

“This includes anyone on the Victorian side who uses the river for boating activities,” she said.

“The river is NSW territory and authorities have warned that boaties need to have permits.”

The permit system is a simple online process and has now been updated to include Buronga, Red Cliffs and Cardross whose postcodes were initially unavailable.

Anyone who lives within 50km from the river can apply for a 14-day permit to conduct any day-to-day activity.