Lockdown restrictions altered at last minute

Cardinia and Casey municipalities have been named as coronavirus hotspots as lockdown restrictions tighten again this week.

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) has advised against travel to and from Cardinia, Casey, Brimbank, Moreland, Hume and Darebin until community transmission of the virus is controlled.

There were 16 new cases reported yesterday, 19 on Sunday and 25 on Saturday. One of the new cases was reported in Latrobe municipality.

Cardinia and Casey are amongst the hotspots with five and nine active cases respectively.

In light of the spike in cases, Victoria’s state of emergency has been extended until the end of July.

It also means a number of restrictions set to ease yesterday have been tightened.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Saturday that some of the restrictions due to be eased at midnight on Sunday would not go ahead.

“Our case numbers have hit the highest they’ve been in more than two months. I know that’s not what people want to hear – but sadly, that is our reality.

“As we’ve seen across the world, this virus has the ability to turn a few cases into hundreds in a matter of days. “The experts tell us that, largely, the numbers are being driven by families – families having big get-togethers and not following the advice around distancing and hygiene.

“In fact, around half of our cases since the end of April have come

from transmission inside someone’s home,” Mr Andrews said

Household gatherings have been reduced to five visitors and outdoor gatherings are restricted to 10 people.

Cafes, restaurants and pubs were set to open yesterday with up to 50 patrons but this has been put on hold and the current maximum of 20 people will be retained.

Gyms, cinemas, indoor sports centres and concert venues re-opened as planned yesterday but were restricted to 20 people.

Community sport for juniors and non-contact competition for adults also can proceed as planned.

The restrictions will be reviewed on July 12. Victoria’s state of emergency will be extended until midnight on July 19.

The work from home rule will stay in place at least until the end of July.