Melbourne’s Stage Four lockdown will be extended for ANOTHER two weeks as secret COVID road map reveals new guidelines for small parties, schools and dating – but Dan Andrews STILL won’t tell embattled businesses when they’ll open
Leaked documents have revealed plans for Melbourne‘s strict coronavirus lockdown to be extended by two weeks.
Top-secret draft documents for the city’s exit road map have revealed the government’s plan to extend the 8pm-5am curfew and keep restrictions on businesses for an additional two weeks.
Residents will be given the luxury of two hours of exercise a day, which can be split into two sessions.
Single people and single parents will be given the right to have a nominated visitor at their home.
However, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce has denied there is a plan to extend Stage Four lockdown by two weeks, 9news reported.
Melbournians are seen enjoying their one hour a day of exercise as hope of Stage 4 restrictions easing fades during COVID-19 in Melbourne
Two mothers in face masks and their children are seen in conversation on the grounds of the MCG
According to the report, which was obtained by the Herald Sun, there are bigger changes coming from September 28, which includes the curfew being lifted and increased social gatherings.
Up to five people, including children, from up to two households will be allowed to meet outdoors for social interaction.
Permits will no longer be required for childcare and in-home childminding.
Outdoor personal training will be allowed for up to two people per trainer and outdoor pools will open for exercise for up to 20 people at a time.
Residents will be given the luxury of two hours of exercise a day, which can be split into two sessions
Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) is preparing to announce the government’s plan for a pathway out of the current lockdown on Sunday
Premier Daniel Andrews is preparing to announce the government’s plan for a pathway out of the current lockdown on Sunday, when he releases separate roadmaps for Melbourne and regional Victoria which are under stage four and stage three restrictions, respectively.
He’s also expected to include detail on what will happen to the retail and hospitality sectors in Melbourne, which have been shut down for weeks.
Federal Treasurer and Victorian MP Josh Frydenberg on Thursday played down the contents of the leaked document.
‘I will wait for the final plan from the premier on Sunday,’ he said.
On Wednesday, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton warned the need for mandatory mask-wearing could remain in Melbourne and regional Victoria beyond the scheduled end of the current lockdown on September 13.
‘I think we’ll see masks for the next month in one form or another,’ he said. ‘It may not be all settings at all times.’
The draft document obtained by the Herald Sun did not mention masks.
Professor Sutton also said the Melbourne curfew could also be continued.
‘It’ll be a consideration to continue (curfew),’ he said.
Victoria on Wednesday announced six more deaths from COVID-19 and 90 new infections.
Mr Andrews said daily case numbers were still too high despite Victoria’s seven-day new case average falling below 100 for the first time since early July.
Victoria’s lower house will rubber-stamp a six-month extension to state of emergency powers on Thursday after the bill narrowly passed through the upper house in a marathon sitting.
The state government also got the green light to extended a state of disaster, bringing it into line with the state of emergency.
The disaster declaration allows the government to enforce the nightly curfew and a ban on residents travelling more than five kilometres from their homes.
Mr Andrews warned people not to read too much into the extension.
‘That doesn’t necessarily mean that either the state of emergency or the state of disaster will automatically come off on the 13th,’ he said.
Victoria’s death toll from the virus is 576 and the national figure is 663.
More to come