VICTORIAN Premier Daniel Andrews must protect regional communities from the threat of COVID-19 by closing holes in his "mythical ring" around Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire.

That is the message from Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell, who said workers from Melbourne and a lack of screening of passengers on public transport pose a risk to regional communities while the virus spreads in the metro area.

On Friday it was revealed that 16 local Shepparton Police Officers had been forced into self-isolation following a visit to the Shepparton Police Station by a Melbourne detective who has since tested positive to COVID-19.

Currently Shepparton only has one confirmed case of COVID-19 but this visit by the Crime Command detective has put the Shepparton community at risk of a second wave on a scale of numbers similar to some of the metropolitan hot spot suburbs.

Regions like Mildura have not had a new active case for months, and the biggest threat remains people from Melbourne visiting.

"It is understandable that some exceptions need to be made to allow for the delivery of

essential supplies and for those who provide critical services," Ms Lovell said.

"However the government must

do more to ensure those moving between the lockdown and non-lockdown areas are doing

so for essential reasons, that they are screened for risk and that their movements are

limited to avoid unnecessary contact with the local community."