0
0
Melburnians will be subject to even stricter lockdown rules from 11.59pm on Monday, including a curfew and the closure of playgrounds, in a bid to control an outbreak linked to NSW’s coronavirus explosion.
Premier Daniel Andrews said there is “simply no option” but to further strengthen metropolitan Melbourne’s lockdown for two additional weeks – and introduce a 9pm to 5am curfew for the city – after Victoria recorded 22 new local COVID-19 cases on Monday.
Mr Andrews told his daily coronavirus press conference that “we are at a tipping point” with “too many mystery cases” in Melbourne as he announced the stricter restrictions would be effective from 11.59pm.
“There is simply no option today but to further strengthen this lockdown and to, on the advice of the Chief Health Officer, extend it for a further two weeks,” he said.
Of the 22 new cases, 17 are linked to known outbreaks and a further five infections remain under investigation.
The Department of Health said 14 of the new cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period.
The lockdown and additional tougher restrictions, which come into effect at 11.59pm on Monday, will continue until September 2.
Melburnians will now be subject to a curfew from 9pm to 5am each day and authorised workers will need a permit to leave their homes.
The permits, which come into effect from 11.59pm on Tuesday and need to be certified by an employer, must be carried by authorised workers when on the job and while travelling to and from work.
Large scale construction sites will be required to reduce their staffing to 25 per cent or five workers on site – whichever is higher.
Playgrounds, basketball courts, skate parks and exercise equipment will also be closed from 11.59pm on Monday.
There will be an increased police presence across Melbourne to ensure residents follow the public health measures.
“These settings are tough. This is a tough time. No one is enjoying this lockdown,” Mr Andrews said.
“I know people are wary and I know people are sick and tired of this, but each of us have to find it in ourselves to make good choices for these next couple of weeks, to drive down these case numbers, and to be in a position so that we can reopen.
