COVID-19 state of emergency extended another month

THE Victoria-wide state of emergency currently in place as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been extended.

Announced today, the extended order continues to give increased powers to authorities and is now set to run until at least Sunday, 13 September.

The move came on a day where the state recorded 279 new cases of COVID-19 and 16 deaths, meaning Victoria has now gone over 300 lives lost to the virus.

“We will beat this virus, and extending the state of emergency ensures we have all the tools we need for the fight,” said premier Daniel Andrews via statement.

“I thank every Victorian who is part of our massive team keeping our community safe, you can thank them too by following the rules, which will see us all get through the pandemic.”

Those rules include mandatory face coverings across the state unless you have an exemption as well as stage three restrictions outside metropolitan Melbourne and stage four restrictions inside greater Melbourne.

The ongoing state of emergency means the chief health officer can make orders and put in place sanctions for breaches.

Current extra powers available to Victoria Police include fines for not obeying stay at home directions of up to $1652 for individuals and up to $9913 for businesses.

Also, under the directions, people who don’t comply could also be taken to court and receive a fine of up to $20,000, while companies face fines of up to $100,000.

Victoria is also currently under a state of disaster order that includes the ability of the State government to suspend some acts of parliament should the need arise.

That order came into effect on 2 August and a statement from Mr Andrew’s office said it could also be extended if needs be.