Crisis talks on tougher lockdown

SCOTT Morrison and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews held crisis talks on Thursday over introducing tougher new restrictions on Melbourne.

After 723 new cases and 14 deaths on Australia’s worst day of the pandemic, the national medical expert panel is understood to have considered the sweeping restrictions to further reduce movement.

A New Zealand-style lockdown, which saw the closure of all businesses except essential services including supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations and health facilities, was discussed as one option.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said earlier in the day the panel wanted to further limit the movement of people while protecting essential industries and supply chains.

News Corp understands Victorian authorities have also considered new rules to limit people travelling beyond their immediate neighbourhood for supplies.

The Prime Minister said on Thursday the spread of the virus was “of great concern … we can’t rule out further restrictions or limitations to stem this outbreak”.

Mr Andrews has repeatedly identified transmission of the virus in workplaces as the “biggest driver” of the worsening second wave. He warned earlier this week that “next steps may include having to close a number of these industries”.

Professor Kelly refused to detail whether the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee had made any recommendations on Thursday, but indicated it was crucial to restrict non-essential movement as “the virus generally spreads with people”.

He said the panel had considered solutions from other countries.

“Many of the people who are continuing to contract the virus, and are having contact with others and thereby increase that community transmission, are indeed working in essential industries,” he said.

“That’s one of the key messages … about what else do we need to consider about movement restrictions in a way that does not interfere too much with people’s lives and livelihoods, (and) supply chains.”