In what would be a major change in approach, the state's chief health officer Brett Sutton said on Monday regional areas could be set free even though Shepparton was still recording cases from its outbreak which started 10 days ago.

"We would clearly look to whatever options we can in releasing restrictions for places where we don't see transmission, we don't think they are too substantially at risk because of the movement of people and because of exposure sites," Professor Sutton said.

"It's just good news that all cases are linked in Shepparton and that the public health response can wrap around those close contacts of which there are thousands."

The Andrews government has resisted area by area responses to date.

Professor Sutton said an early release for regional Victoria would be considered in the "next couple of days".

His comments on Monday blindsided the state's Opposition.

IN OTHER NEWS

Leader Michael O'Brien said the Coalition had been calling for an end to the one size fits all solution for "months, months, months and months".

"Part of our plan has been having targeted, proportionate lockdowns rather than blanket statewide lockdowns," he said.

"For goodness sake Warrnambool isn't Shepparton and let's not treat them that they are the same because they're not."

On Monday, Shepparton recorded nine new cases, among the statewide tally of 73, with two mystery cases in the Gouburn Valley outbreak now linked.

Business Wodonga chief executive Graham Jenkin hoped Professor Sutton wasn't given false hope to COVID-free areas.

"I can't understand why regions are still being expected to be locked down when there is no COVID transmission, but understand the closeness of Wodonga to Shepparton," he said.

Member for Benambra Bill Tilley agreed.

"People are tired of all this, they are over these restrictions despite the bleating of some civic leaders who accept these lockdowns like the Doris Day song Que Sera Sera --- whatever will be will be," he said.

"Our community has for 18 months copped these restrictions when we have never seen a case, never seen the medical evidence it's even based on.

"I speak for the grandparents who can't look after grandkids, the grey nomads in limbo land that can't get home, the school kids forced to learn online, businesses that are shut, caravan parks that are closed, casuals without work.

"Brett Sutton says the government has always been sensitive to regional pain, I say rubbish.

"We have been dragged through unnecessary restrictions that have and still do inflict pain and hardship on families, workers and businesses."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: