The seven-day 'circuit-breaker' lockdown that began on May 27 was set to end today in the State of Victoria. However, in a statement from acting Premier James Merlino it was announced that stay-at-home orders would remain in place for residents of the metropolitan Melbourne area for another seven days while the restrictions are lifted for regional Victoria.
With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise, the Chief Health Officer, Brett Sutton, has recommended that lockdown measures remain in Melbourne for one more week which is a full virus cycle — 14 days — to curb its spread. The extended restrictions are expected to end on Thursday, June 10.
With the extension, it was also announced that minor changes to the previous stay-at-home measures were being made.
Under the extended lockdown measures, new changes state that Melbourne residents may only leave home for these reasons:
As of today, regional Victoria residents may leave home at any time for any reason. In Melbourne, residents are only permitted to leave their homes for the five reasons mentioned above and the travel radius for exercise and shopping has expanded to 10km.
Restaurants, cafes, bars and other hospitality venues can open for seated service across Victoria with up to 50 individuals and group sizes of up to 10 people. However, businesses must maintain the density quotient of 1 person per 4 square metre. In Melbourne, food and drink facilities, including food courts, must remain closed but are permitted to offer take-away services.
Masks and face coverings must be carried and worn indoors (except at home) across the state. In Melbourne, masks must worn outdoors (unless exceptions apply) at all times while in regional Victoria masks are only required outdoors when 1.5m of physical distance cannot be maintained.
As of May 28, 2021, the government requested that all retail establishments across Victoria (including Melbourne) record attendance with the Service Vic QR code app for anyone on the premises for more than 15 minutes. These rules are being expanded and now require anyone entering a shop or cafe to check-in. For more information about the QR code service and what's required, visit the Victorian Government QR Code Service website.
The Australian Institute of Food Safety will continue to monitor changes to restrictions and provide updates as they develop.