Stage Three ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions have been reinstated across metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise.
In a statement, Premier Daniel Andrews said the returned ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions would be in place for six weeks.
“Businesses in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will also return to Stage 3 restrictions,” Mr Andrews said.
“Restaurants and cafes will return to takeaway and delivery services only; Beauty and personal services will need to close; Entertainment and cultural venues will need to close. Community sport will need to stop,” he said.
“I know just how tough this will be for these businesses and for their workers.”
Mr Andrews said all Year 11 and Year 12 students in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire would go back to school for Term Three as planned, along with special schools.
“For students Prep to Year 10, we’re going to extend the school holidays by one week, so we can get more advice from our health experts,” he said.
“But I want to be upfront and let parents know that a return to remote learning for these kids is a possibility.”
The Premier said the State had talked about the virus being like a public health bushfire.
“By putting a ring around metropolitan Melbourne, we’re essentially putting in place a perimeter to protect regional Victorians,” he said.
“For every restriction that you break and all the health advice that you ignore – the consequence may be someone’s life,” Mr Andrews said.
