Victoria has moved into a State of Disaster and Melbourne has implemented Stage Four, which further tighten restrictions on movement within the state.
Greater Melbourne and Mitchell Shire are currently in the fourth week of second lockdown, with venues only able to offer takeaway and delivery services. With Victorians now not allowed to venture further than five kilometres from their home, this could be a further blow to a number of operators.
Speaking about the new restrictions, Premier Daniel Andrews said: “Our health experts tell us the measures we’ve introduced are working. But too slowly.
“The current rate of community transmission – mystery cases that cannot be traced back to work or home – is far too high.
“As they tell us, based on the current numbers, cases might begin to drop off not in days or weeks – but in months. Months more of lockdown restrictions. Months more of 300, 400, 500 cases a day.
“We must do more. We must go harder. It’s the only way we’ll get to the other side of this.
“I know Victorians are with me when I say, too many people are not taking this seriously.
“From 6pm tonight, Melbourne will also move to Stage Four 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.”
Full details regarding which workers will be exempted from the curfew, including delivery drivers will be announced by the Victoria Government this afternoon, and will be updated here then.