Staff writers
LOCKDOWN will return to regional Victoria from 1pm today.
Premier Daniel Andrews made the announcement just moments ago.
“I apologise for the inconvenience of that. There is simply not a choice but to follow the advice and act as we have today,” Mr Andrews said.
“We know this is a big switch-up in regional Victoria. People need to follow the rules.”
The restrictions are the same as those in Melbourne, apart from the 9pm to 5am curfew.
It comes after 77 new COVID-19 infections were confirmed in the past 24 hours, including 16 in Shepparton.
The lockdown is in place until at least September 2.
The five reasons to leave home are back in place, along with mandatory wearing of masks both indoors and outdoors.
- To shop for essentials
- For authorised work or permitted education
- To provide care and for medical and compassionate reasons
- Leaving to get vaccinated
- To exercise for a maximum of two hours
The travel limit of 5km from your home has returned.
Schools will return to remote learning for most students, but stay open for vulnerable children and the children of authorised workers.
Childcare centres will be closed, but open for vulnerable children and the children of authorised workers if they cannot be supervised at home.
If you can work from home, you must work from home.
The writing was on the wall last night when community sport across the state was called off on Friday night.