Daniel Andrews says while he is sorry that Melbourne residents are facing another lockdown, extraordinary measures are needed to prevent thousands of people dying from COVID-19.
Premier Andrews has ordered everyone in Metropolitan Melbourne back into stage three lockdowns for six weeks as he warns Victoria is on the “cusp of a second wave” of the killer coronavirus.
Mr Andrews said every resident in the city would be banned from leaving their home for at least six weeks as his state recorded another 191 cases.
From Wednesday, those in the lockdown areas will be unable to leave their residence for six weeks unless it is for shopping for essentials, work, exercise and caregiving.
Melbourne eateries will also be restricted to take-away only, in what will be a significant blow to the cafe and restaurant sector.
“I’m very sorry that we find ourselves in this position,” Premier Andrews said.
"I would, with the greatest of respect, put it to you getting this virus and dying from it is very onerous too.
"This is challenging. I get it. I know that. I understand it. I didn’t want to be in this position. No Victorian does. Let’s not see it as simply an inconvenience.
"It’s much more than that. It’s a pandemic.
"And it will kill thousands of people if it gets completely away from us. That will be more than onerous. It will be tragic."
