The lockdown will commence at 11:59pm tonight.
After 11 new COVID-19 cases were recorded overnight, Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino has announced a statewide lockdown set to come into effect at 11:59pm tonight.
What you need to know
- The Victorian COVID-19 cluster has grown to 26 active cases after 11 new infections were recorded overnight
- There is evidence the outbreak is the result of a fast-moving variant of COVID-19
- Victorians will not be allowed to travel more than 5km from their homes during the lockdown
Stay up to date with what’s happening in Melbourne here.
Until 11:59pm on Thursday June 3, Victorians will only be permitted to leave their homes for five reasons: shopping for essential items, authorised work or education, a maximum of two hours of exercise with no more than one other person, caregiving, or to get vaccinated.
Travelling more than five kilometres from home will not be allowed and masks will be required in all outdoor and indoor settings outside the home.
Public gatherings and home visits will not be permitted for the duration of the lockdown, excluding intimate partners. Single-person households will also be allowed to form a single bubble with one other person.
Cafes and restaurants will be allowed to offer takeaway only. Essential retail, such as grocery stores and bottle shops, will remain open while non-essential retail will be allowed to provide click and collect.
Approved sporting events will proceed without crowds.
The Acting Premier has urged Victorians to get vaccinated, opening eligibility to anyone over 40.
“My message to those Victorians: if you’re eligible, get vaccinated. Make your plan today,” said Merlino.
“If someone you love is eligible, make a plan together. Do it for yourself. Your family. Your friends. Your community. Whatever your motivation – please do it.
“Because vaccination is our only real ticket out of this pandemic.”
For more information, visit the DHHS website.
