Victoria’s lockdown will be extended for at least another seven days, as the state’s total active COVID-19 cases reaches 85.

While the five-day snap lockdown was originally planned to end tonight, Victorian Premier Dan Andrews said he could not put the state’s “hard-earned gains at risk”.

“We want Victoria back open as soon as possible – and we’ll do everything in our power to get us there safely and quickly,” he said.

In addition to the extended lockdown, stronger border measures will be introduced.

Victoria will temporarily pause the issuing of Red Zone Permits from 11:59pm tonight, pending a further review in a fortnight.

For at least the next two weeks, Victorian residents in red zones will require an exemption to enter the state, which will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

State-wide lockdown for SA

Meanwhile, South Australia will go into a one-week lockdown from 6:00pm tonight, 20 July, after the state’s recent Delta strain outbreak totals five cases.

In line with Victoria’s lockdown rules, South Australian residents will only be permitted to leave home for five reasons:

• Care and compassion reasons, such as caring for a loved one
• Essential work
• Purchase of essential goods, such as a food
• Medical reasons, including vaccination and testing
• Exercise, limited to people from the same household

Read more about the latest health advice for Victoria and South Australia.

Other states react to lockdowns

In other parts of Australia, restrictions and border measures are being reinstated in response to the growing clusters.

Western Australia has tightened its border restrictions, now requiring arrivals from South Australia to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Queensland Acting Premier Steven Miles has advised Queenslanders to reconsider interstate travel plans.

“This virus is spreading to other states and we don’t know what the situation in South Australia will be in coming days, in Victoria, so it’s absolutely vital that if you have plans to holiday, please reconsider them,” he said.

“If you are currently in those states, now would be a good time, if you can, to please come home.”