Metropolitan Melbourne and one other region in the state of Victoria are placed back into lockdown after a massive surge in daily coronavirus cases. Victoria had reported 191 new COVID-19 cases just overnight.
It had been Victoria's biggest rise in cases ever since the pandemic began. On Monday, the state documented its previous record of 127 new cases.
The border between Victoria and New South Wales will begin to close off at midnight. Furthermore, the constraints will become effective on Wednesday night and be implemented for at least six weeks.
While residents living in regional Victoria have escaped the strict lockdown measures, the firm restrictions will only apply to metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire.
According to Professor Brett Sutton, Victoria's Chief Health Officer, the comeback of lockdown restrictions would be "painful" but are "absolutely necessary" to control the virus. He adds that the rapid increase in coronavirus infections have been incredibly faster during the state's second wave of the pandemic.
He shared that compared to other waves around the world, theirs was much faster. Professor Sutton cautioned that if the state did not act now, "catastrophic outcomes" could possibly follow.
According to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, the public health team has advised him to re-impose stage three stay at home restrictions. Due to the unsustainably high numbers of new cases, everyone is expected to stay at home except for four reasons to leave.
Melbourne Restrictions: Four Reasons to Leave Home
Residents living in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire will only be permitted to leave home for four reasons. These reasons include shopping for food, caregiving, exercise, and for studying and working.
Unlike the last time, locals won't be any more allowed to stay in holiday homes. Additionally, they will not be permitted to exit metropolitan Melbourne for exercise.
Cafes and restaurants will return to operating under takeaway and delivery services only. Moreover, personal and beauty services, sporting centers, gyms, and cultural and entertainment venues will be asked to close. On the other hand, elective surgery across Victoria will continue as usual.
According to Mr. Andrews, regional Victoria has very limited cases, while far-flung parts of regional Victoria have no cases. He says the strict standards would ensure that the lockdown need not be extended to include the whole state.
Victoria Police to Takes Action in Imposing Lockdown
According to local sources, Victoria Police will place roadblocks and other bounds to ensure that there is no breach in the boundary between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Mr. Andrews said the approach would somehow be similar to the ones taken in 12 postcodes that are locked down. He says it will be a sort of booze bus-type arrangement on main causeways.
He warns travelers that there might be a chance that police would stop and question them. Andrews cautions that if there isn't a lawful excuse for one's passing, significant penalties will apply.
Moreover, about 260 Australian Defence Force personnel have also been tasked to help with the enforcement. The Victorian Premier said they would also fundamentally support Victoria Police in placing the roadblocks.
