Victoria to enter a five-day stage four lockdown from tonight
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12.02.2021

Victoria to enter a five-day stage four lockdown from tonight

Melbourne lockdown continues
Words by Kate Streader

Victoria will enter a snap lockdown from 11:59pm tonight.

Following the rise in COVID-19 case numbers in Victoria, Premier Dan Andrews has announced a five-day stage four lockdown across the entire state, effective from 11:59pm tonight.

Victoria has recorded five new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of active cases to 19.

What you need to know

  • Victoria will enter a stage four lockdown from 11:59pm tonight
  • The stage four restrictions will remain in place until 11:59pm on Wednesday February 17
  • There are 19 active COVID-19 cases in Victoria at the time of writing

For the latest local news, head here.

The Premier has said that we must assume the cases spreading through the community are the highly-infectious UK strain and act accordingly to prevent a third wave.

“If we wait for that to be proven correct, then it will be too late,” said Andrews.

Under the new restrictions, Victorians will only be allowed to leave their homes for four reasons: shopping for what they need, when they need it; essential work; exercise for two hours per day with one other person from another household, an intimate partner or no more than two members from within their own household; and for caregiving purposes.

Victorians will not be permitted to travel beyond 5km from their home for the five-day period, masks will be mandatory at all times outside the home and public gatherings and home visits, excluding intimate partner and caregiving visits, will not be allowed.

Gyms, pools, community centres, entertainment venues and libraries will all need to close.

All non-essential retail will close, but essential stores like supermarkets, bottle shops and pharmacies will remain open. Cafes and restaurants will only be able to offer takeaway.

If you can work at home, you will be required to do so for the duration of the lockdown.

For a full breakdown of the new restrictions, visit the DHHS website.