Metropolitan Melbourne and the shire of Mitchell in Victoria has returned to Stage 3 lockdown, after 191 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded on Tuesday this week.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced Stage 3 restrictions will come into effect from 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 July, for at least six weeks.
Tuesday’s cases were the largest daily increase Victoria has seen since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think a sense of complacency has crept into us as we let our frustrations get the better of us,” said Andrews.
“I think that each of us know someone who has not been following the rules as well as they should have. I think each of us know that we’ve got no choice but to take these very, very difficult steps.”
What does this mean for gatherings?
Under Stage 3 lockdown, residents in metro Melbourne and the Mitchell shire are required to stay at home and only leave their premises for the following four reasons: to shop for food and essential goods, for care or compassionate reasons, for exercise and for work or study if you can’t do it from home.
This means all gatherings in these areas are banned, and venues are forced to close their doors for a second time.
The following restrictions are in place for metro Melbourne and the Mitchell shire from 11.59pm 8 July:
- No visitors at home
- No more than two people (or your household group) gathering in public
- Weddings limited to five people
- Funerals limited to 10 people (plus those conducting)
Retail, markets and hairdressers will be allowed to stay open (subject to conditions), while cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs and bars will close and can only offer takeaway.
Arenas, stadiums, cinemas, concert venues, galleries, museums and zoos will also close.
For more information about Victoria’s current restrictions, click here.
For a full breakdown of Australia’s current restrictions by state and territory, click here.
