Michaela Meade
Metro Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdown will be extended for a further two weeks, with a curfew to be introduced from tonight.
The city will be in lockdown until at least Thursday, September 2, Premier Daniel Andrews announced today.
A number of tighter restrictions will be introduced from 11.59pm tonight, including a 9pm to 5am curfew, and the closure of playgrounds and skate parks.
Exercise will be limited to two people, plus dependents if they can’t be left at home.
Permits will be required for authorised work, with enforcement coming into effect from 11.59pm tomorrow to provide some leeway.
The five kilometre travel radius and five reasons to leave home will remain in place.
The five reasons to leave home include to get necessary food and supplies, for exercise for up to two hours, for care or caregiving, permitted work or education if not possible at home, or to get vaccinated at the nearest possible location.
“We have come so far, we have given so much, we have done so well, but we have to do more,” Mr Andrews said.
“We have no choice, there’s no other option.
“If there was, then we would go down that path.
“We all have to find it within ourselves to make the best possible choices so that this can be over.”
Chief health officer Brett Sutton said his advice to extend and strengthen the lockdown restrictions was a response to the state standing on a “cliff edge”.
“My advice is not in response to any single event,” Professor Sutton said.
“It’s in response to a number of things that are showing that we are at the brink and we need to step back from the brink.
“We are… just keeping up with this outbreak, but we are not ahead of it in the way we need to be.”
Professor Sutton urged Victorians to come forward and get tested, even if only experiencing the mildest symptoms.
To find out where to get tested: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19
