New restrictions announced for Victoria after record case spike

New restrictions announced for Victoria after record case spike

It is Victoria's worst day of the pandemic so far - 723 new cases and 13 more lives lost. And now, every person in the state will have to wear a mask in public from Sunday night and there are tougher restrictions across some regional areas. 

Premier Daniel Andrews said mandatory face coverings would now apply in regional Victoria, as well as metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.

“Today, and in line with the advice of the Chief Health Officer, I can announce that same requirement will apply across regional Victoria,” he said in a statement.

“That means from Sunday 2 August at 11:59pm, a face covering will be mandatory whenever you leave home – and wherever you live.

"It's inconvenient, it's challenging, but it's essentially Stage 4 for Melbourne, and it's something we can do in regional Victoria without causing significant economic cost, but getting a really significant public health benefit," Mr Andrews said.

From midnight tonight, residents in parts of regional Victoria will not be able to visit other households or have people visit them, and that includes weddings and funerals at homes

The locations affected include: 

  • Greater Geelong
  • Surf Coast
  • Moorabool
  • Golden Plains
  • Colac-Otway
  • Borough of Queenscliffe

However people will be able to visit restaurants under the new restrictions and Victorians will be able to attend community sport and visit gyms as well.

Mr Andrews said the difference was that venues are controlled environments and homes aren't.

He said that if the data showed transmission in cafes, restaurants and pubs, he would shut them down too. He also said he could not rule out that decision being made in the future.

Mr Andrews said he could not comment on when restrictions would end, but said it would not be "anytime soon" unless everybody played their part:

The Premier put out a plea to all Victorians, urging people to practise social distancing and get tested. He said he understands that Victorians are feeling "equal parts frustrated, tired and sad".

"This is one of the biggest challenges our state has faced. And yet, really, we're all being asked to make the smallest of sacrifices," he said.