Supermarkets saw another run on essentials and there were long queues at some police checkpoints around Melbourne this week, as 5 million Victorians began to go into lockdown. It’s the second time Victoria is imposing lockdown restrictions to help try and halt a dramatic rise in new cases of coronavirus.
Residents in the 31 local government areas of Metropolitan Melbourne, also known as Greater Melbourne, and Mitchell Shire — the only regional area to be included in the stage three restrictions can leave their homes only for study or work (if you cannot work from home); medical care and caregiving; shopping for essentials; or daily exercise (but you cannot leave or enter restricted areas).
The entire area under the restrictions reaches across almost 10,000 square kilometres and Victorians have been told to brace for at least six weeks of restrictions. Six weeks is three life cycles of the virus, which should allow for the lag between people contracting the virus and getting tested.
The restrictions, while frustrating to many individuals and business owners, have come into force because of what Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews called an “unacceptably” high number of new cases. Wednesday this week was the third day in a row that Victoria recorded more than 100 new cases of COVID-19.
Mr Andrews acknowledged going back into lockdown was not a decision made lightly.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt called it a difficult, but necessary step.
Victoria Police have warned they will be out in force to make sure people do not leave the city and are abiding by the Chief Health Officer’s directives. Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said at a press conference that about 700 police officers would be involved in Operation Sentinel, which launched in March to enforce COVID-19 restrictions.
Police will also be strictly enforcing the stay-at-home orders with Chief Commissioner Patton saying discretion would be rarely used.
All cafes, bars, and restaurants must close (except for takeaway orders) as the new restrictions come into effect.
