The numbers are too high at the moment to consider opening up again.
As Premier Daniel Andrews returned to the podium to announce another 627 new cases in Victoria, he also gave us an update on the current stage three restrictions for people of metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.
“I’ve got no announcements to make about next steps but it is important that all of us acknowledge that these numbers are still far too high and we could not open up with these numbers,” Andrews said in his press conference today.
“We could not open up even with significantly less than these numbers.”
Alongside the 627 new cases came eight more deaths overnight as the state continues to reel in the face of turbulent COVID-19 behaviour. National and Victorian health officials are doing an in-depth analysis into the situation while Andrews also held crisis talks with Prime Minister Scott Morrison as they attempt to get their heads around the situation.
“We have data that marks the halfway point of the six week [lockdown in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire],” he said of the respective analysis.
“We have numbers that are too high, community transmission too high, and we need to do detailed analysis and potentially take further steps beyond the current framework.”
As more findings emerge from the analysis, further announcements may be made. There could also be more changes to the restrictions which certifies the rife uncertainty that’s come with this ongoing pandemic.
“It will continue today, tomorrow and if we have got further announcements to make, we will,” Andrews continued.
“I don’t think it is unreasonable to say that there are a whole range of potential next steps that will come at a very significant cost – and I mean that in all of its senses.”
Never miss a story. Sign up to Beat’s newsletter and you’ll be served fresh music, arts, food and culture stories three times a week.
