Melbourne is officially going back into lockdown

The whole of Melbourne and Mitchell Shire north of the city will be placed back into lock down for six weeks from 11.59pm on Wednesday after Victoria recorded 191 new cases of coronavirus - its worst figure yet.

Residents will be only allowed to leave their homes for work and study, giving or receiving care, shopping for essentials and daily exercise near where they live. Police will stop Victorians leaving or entering Melbourne with roadblocks and booze bus-style vehicle checks, effectively sealing 5million people inside the city. Gatherings of more than two people who do not live together will be banned; beauty services and entertainment venues will shut; and cafes, restaurants and pubs will be able to offer takeaway only.
Year 11 and 12 pupils and special schools will go back to class but holidays will be extended by a week for students up to year 10, with remote learning a possibility after that. Restrictions for the rest of Victoria remain the same - but residents can only enter Melbourne for caregiving, essential shopping and work or study. Under-pressure premier Daniel Andrews said the new lockdown was essential to avoid 'thousands and thousands' of cases and 'many, many people in hospital.' 'This is a pandemic and it will kill thousands of people if it gets completely away from us,' he said.