Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is backing regional areas like the North-East to fightback from COVID-19 and the myriad of challenges thrown at communities since the pandemic began.
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Mr Andrews said the long-running Victoria-NSW border closure was another layer of difficulty border residents had to counter.
"The progress we've made in suppressing this virus belongs to each and every Victorian," he said.
"Thank you to every regional Victorian who has followed the rules to keep one another safe.
"Thank you to the communities who have come out in droves answering the call to get tested.
"And thank you to the border communities who've had additional challenges in dealing with the restrictions of other states.
"It's wonderful to see regional Victoria open again, with visitors from Melbourne coming out to enjoy all our great state has to offer.
"We've all worked hard to achieve these numbers so we can enjoy a COVID normal summer and Christmas."
