Nat Bromhead
Daniel Andrews, the Premier of Victoria, has announced a hard lockdown and curfews for greater Melbourne with the new rules to come into effect from 6pm Sunday.
Under upgraded Stage 4 restrictions exercise will be limited to 1hr per day with activities restricted to within 5km of home. The laws will remain in place for at least 6 weeks.
While the stronger restrictions will cover the greater Melbourne area, the rest of Victoria will move to Stage 3 restrictions meaning regional-based cyclists will not be suject to time or distance limits.
“We must do more. We must go harder. It’s the only way we’ll get to the other side of this,” Mr Andrews told media in a lengthy press conference on Sunday afternoon.
“I know Victorians are with me when I say, too many people are not taking this seriously. And too many people not taking this seriously means that too many other people are having to plan funerals for those they love.
“It’s why from 6pm tonight, Victoria will enter a State of Disaster. We used this same provision over summer, and as we step-up our fight against this public health bushfire, we need to use it again.
“This will give our police additional powers to make sure people are complying with public health directions – more on which we’ll have to say in the coming days. From 6pm tonight, Melbourne will also move to Stage 4 restrictions with stronger rules to limit the movement of people – and limit the spread of this virus across our city.
“That includes a curfew – from 8pm to 5am – beginning tonight. The only reasons to leave home during these hours will be work, medical care and caregiving.
“Where you slept last night is where you’ll need to stay for the next six weeks. There’ll be exemptions for partners who live apart and for work, if required.
Time, Distance & Gathering Limits
Mr Andrews said “new time, distance and gathering limits will also apply for exercise and shopping,”
“Exercise will be limited to a maximum of one hour per day and no more than five kilometres from your home,” he said.
“Group size will be limited to a maximum of two – you and one other person – whether you live with them or not. Shopping will be limited to one person per household per day. Again, the five-kilometre rule will apply.”
Over To You – We Are Keen To Hear Your Thoughts On This Latest Development in Melbourne.
