STATE TO SHUT DOWN
VICTORIA will shut all nonessential activity across the state to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says school holidays will be brought forward to start tomorrow.
The step comes as the number of COVID-19 cases in Victoria has risen to 296 after 67 people were confirmed as being infected on Saturday.
“This is not something that we do lightly, but it’s clear that if we don’t take this step, more Victorians will contract coronavirus, our hospitals will be overwhelmed and more Victorians will die,” Mr Andrews said in a statement.
“Victorians will still be able to go to the supermarket, the bank, the pharmacy and other essential stores, like petrol stations and convenience stores.”
He said freight, logistics and home delivery were also considered essential and would remain open.
A decision whether to reopen schools after the term one holidays will be determined following advice from the Chief Health Officer.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced earlier yesterday that her state would undertake a “comprehensive shutdown” of non-essential services, with supermarkets, petrol stations and pharmacies among businesses to stay open.
The developments come as food packages are set to be distributed to Victorians in mandatory self-isolation, who don’t have friends and family who can readily help them get supplies.
The State Government will start distributing two weeks’ worth of food to eligible households with little or nothing in their pantries from today.
“I’m encouraging people to look elsewhere ... but this is very much for those who are isolated and very much need our support,” Disability, Ageing and Carers Ministers Luke Donnellan said yesterday.
About 10,000 households are expected to need the packages, but more will be provided if needed.
People can register their need for the emergency relief packages by calling Victoria’s coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 from today.
The packages will contain items such as long-life milk, pasta, cereal, canned vegetables and sugar.
Personal care packages containing soap, toothpaste and deodorants will also be available for eligible households, while some other items — such as nappies and baby formula — may be sent to homes that need them.
The program is being run by the Red Cross, in partnership with Foodbank Victoria, under the direction of the State Relief Co-ordinator.
The 67 new cases of COVID-19 in Victoria reported yesterday include 42 men and 25 women, with people aged from late teens to early 80s.
There are several people in hospital and are least three in intensive care.
Three of the 296 cases could have been obtained through community transmission.
Mr Donnellan urged people to take heed of social distancing advice, saying they needed to think about others and not themselves.
“If we don’t work together, we will all fall together,” he said.
A $1.7 billion package was unveiled by the Victorian government on Saturday to help businesses cope with the impacts of coronavirus.
Small businesses will get full refunds on their payroll tax bills for the rest of the financial year, and a $500 million fund will be created to help people who’ve lost their jobs find new work.