Latest health advice on fossicking

The Victorian Government has announced updated restrictions for Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Restrictions are changing to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you live in metropolitan Melbourne, Stage 4 restrictions are now in place, and you can no longer leave home for recreational activities including fossicking.

For regional Victoria, including Mitchell Shire, Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions will be in place from 11:59pm on Wednesday 5 August.

If you live in regional Victoria, there will be only four reasons to be out: shopping for food and essential items, care and caregiving, daily exercise and work and study – if you can’t do it from home.

You can leave home to exercise or for outdoor recreation in regional Victoria, including fossicking, with people from your household, or one other person. You can only prospect recreationally in areas where it is legal to fossick and you must carry a valid Miner’s Right.

You should stay close to home and maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres from others at all times. You should also avoid sharing equipment and sanitise them after use.

If you live in regional Victoria, you cannot visit metropolitan Melbourne to undertake recreational activities such as fossicking.

Face coverings must be worn by all Victorians aged 12 years and over whenever they leave home, unless they have a lawful exception.

For the latest information on restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), visit the Department of Health and Human Services.

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