The State of Emergency in Victoria has been extended for another three weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep people safe as activity restrictions are cautiously eased across the state.
Minister for Health, Jenny Mikakos (pictured) announced that State of Emergency had been extended until 11.59pm on 21 June.
In a statement, Ms Mikakos said the extension would allow the State Government to continue to enforce strict physical distancing and isolation requirements, as well as other directions from the Chief Health Officer related to businesses, working from home, mass gatherings and recreational activities.
“The continued high testing rate in Victoria, coupled with the current low rate of community transmission, means restrictions will be further relaxed from tomorrow – but the battle against coronavirus is far from over,” Ms Mikakos said.
“Through this pandemic, the advice to Victorians has remained the same: stay home. As we begin to settle into a new normal, the message is: stay safe,” she said.
“That means continuing to maintain physical distance from others, take appropriate hygiene precautions, avoid crowds, stay home and get tested if you’re unwell.”
Ms Mikakos said that under the State of Emergency, officers authorised by the Chief Health Officer can act to eliminate or reduce a serious risk to public health by detaining people, restricting movement, preventing entry to premises, or providing any other direction an officer considered reasonable to protect public health.
