THE Mildura local government area (LGA) having its first attributed COVID-19 case in several months shows we must remain vigilant against the deadly virus.

Member for Mildura Ali Cupper is urging everyone in the Mildura electorate to remain on high alert and continue to follow all the proper safety guidelines.

“It has been reported that this case was identified in Melbourne by someone who resides in the Mildura electorate but was tested in Melbourne and continues to isolate in Melbourne,” she said.

“The inference is the case was picked up in Melbourne with reports saying the person twice tested negative before testing positive on Monday.

“The Department of Health and Human Services will not confirm if that is the case, however Health Minister Jenny Mikakos’s office has confirmed the case is not a data error – which has happened previously.

“Whether the person is in the Mildura electorate or not should not take away from the general principles everyone should continue to follow – wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands, good cough etiquette and getting tested with any flu-like symptoms.

“We can’t get complacent because we’ve seen how quickly the virus can spread.”

Ms Cupper said she was proud of the way people in the Mildura electorate had taken to wearing masks and the difficulties of returning to Stage 3 restrictions on Thursday.

Under Stage 3 restrictions, the only reasons people should leave their house is for essential supplies, work or education (if they can’t be done from home) and to give care or obtain medical services.

There is now one active case in the Mildura electorate while there are also two cases attributed to the Swan Hill LGA.