COVID-19 is once again appearing in Victoria, with new cases, new exposure sites and the delta variant all combining to make Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to impose the state’s fifth lockdown.
In what could be interpreted as a dig at NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who waited to try and get the NSW outbreak under control, Andrews said Victoria would not wait, and that not much good comes from waiting.
“If we act now, while we’re right on the heels of this outbreak, we can give ourselves every chance of getting ahead of it,” the Premier said.
“If we wait – we lose that option.
“Waiting could see more people infected and the number of exposure sites explode.
“Which is why, on the advice of Acting Chief Health Officer, Victoria will go into lockdown tonight, meaning there are only five reasons to leave home from 11:59pm on Thursday 15 of July 2021.
“That means you can only leave home to get the food and the supplies you need, for exercise for up to two hours and no more than 5kms from your home, for care or caregiving, work or education if you can’t do it from home or to get vaccinated at the nearest possible location.”
The restrictions will be in place for at least five days. Face masks must also be worn outdoors at all times, and indoors at all times, except when at home.
Andrews added: “We are counting on everyone to do the right thing.
“For our families, our businesses and our state – stay at home and keep everyone safe.”
As of today Victoria has 24 cases of COVID-19 and this lockdown means that once again hospitality venues across the state are forced to close their doors, and where possible to pivot.