VICTORIA’S setback in COVID-19 cases has led to the Victorian Government delaying the easing of restrictions and strengthening others.

It is disappointing and frustrating but shows just how quickly things can change with this deadly virus.

The changes mean from midnight on June 21, people will only be allowed five visitors to their home while only 20 people will be able in pubs, restaurants and cafes.

Thankfully, businesses like cinemas, gyms, museums and theatres will still be able to reopen on Monday.

And importantly – especially for the small-town pubs in my electorate – the need for a meal with a drink is still being lifted.

It was encouraging to hear Premier Andrews say the government has left the door open for tailored changes to the way restrictions are lifted and there is a possibility of applying restrictions in a geographical sense.

That could see regional Victorian areas like ours, where there have been no active cases of the coronavirus in a long time, having restrictions eased more quickly.

I will not pressure Premier Andrews or the government to do anything potentially unsafe, however I will be pushing for them to work with health officials to do whatever possible to lift restrictions in regional areas like ours safely and as soon as possible.

It is important for us to realise these regressive steps have been deemed necessary by health officials and we need to continue to follow all the rules and regulations in place – for our own safety and for the safety of our community.