Lockdown to tighten
Premier hits out at ‘selfish’ Victorians
VICTORIANS are being told to cancel backyard barbecues, think twice about trips to the hairdresser and shop online as authorities look to tighten the state’s unprecedented lockdown.
The national coronavirus cabinet will meet tonight to consider a second stage of closures after pubs, clubs, gyms, cinemas and churches were yesterday all forced to close for the first time in history.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Daniel Andrews have put the community on notice, warning a broader shutdown is coming unless people respond to the measures already in place to stop the rampant spread of the virus.
As Victorians grapple with how to live their lives over the next six months, the State Government has answered 50 key questions from News Corp reminding people that dinner parties and playdates for kids are not essential and suggesting retail outlets may have to shut.
Schools will be closed today but childcare and kindergarten centres remain open for now.
Tonight’s national cabinet will also consider measures to support renters and workforce and supply chain issues impacting the health system.
Mr Morrison said coronavirus was a “once in a 100year” public health and economic crisis.
“For many, young and old, 2020 will be the toughest year of our lives,” he said.
“We are a strong nation and a strong people, but in the months ahead this will put us all to the test like, at no time since the Second World War.”
Mr Andrews blasted “selfish” Victorians for putting vulnerable people at risk by ignoring demands to remain 1.5m away from others to minimise the spread of the virus.
“There are many Victorians who are acting selfishly. If that continues, then people will die,” he said. “You won’t be able to go to the pub, because the pub is shut. That doesn’t mean you can have all your mates around to home and get on the beers.
“Whether you want to call it mateship, or being a good Australian, or complying with your civic duty, I don’t care what you call it, just do it.
“Do the right thing, do the smart thing, do the decent thing.
“If you don’t, you have got every reason to believe Victoria Police will catch you, and you will be punished.”
Fines of $20,000 for individuals and $100,000 for businesses are in place for those caught flouting new coronavirus rules — such as holding mass gatherings or failing to self-isolate after returning from overseas.
There will be spot checks on the street, with 5000 police specifically deployed by Victoria Police in a special coronavirus taskforce.
Disruptions are likely for many months as the number of reported cases in Victoria hit 355 yesterday, an increase of 61.
Mr Andrews said he had no plans to follow Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory and shut the state’s borders — but that could change if the threat to life increases.