Back to lockdown: Surf Coast now under Stage 3 coronavirus restrictions

THE Surf Coast has returned to tighter coronavirus restrictions, with Stage 3 in effect across Victoria as of today (Thursday, August 6).
The full reintroduction of the Stage 3 lockdown is the latest in a series of tightened restrictions in the Surf Coast region in recent days, including no visitors being allowed in the home in the six G21 municipalities and the mandatory wearing of face coverings outside the home (which also now applies across the state).
It follows Premier Daniel Andrews’ declaration on Sunday of a state of disaster in Victoria.
Like the earlier Stage 3 restrictions, people must stay at home except for the four accepted reasons (shopping for food and supplies, care and caregiving, exercise, and study and work).
Businesses that must close include restaurants and cafes (unless they can offer takeaway or home delivery services), beauty and personal services, and entertainment and cultural venues. Community sport is no longer allowed.
Mr Andrews said he was re-introducing Stage 3 in regional Victoria “with some regret” but had no choice “given the significant community transmission and the growing case numbers, and the fact we need to stay ahead of this in regional Victoria”.
Surf Coast Shire mayor Rose Hodge urged people to follow all state health directions, such as the need to wear a mask outside the home, and to also look after their mental health.
“Hand hygiene and distancing is still so important,” she said.
“Only go out when absolutely necessary. Keep in contact with family and friends by all other means other than visiting. Take care and stay well.”
All Victorian schools moved to flexible and remote learning as of yesterday (Wednesday, August 5).
Education Minister James Merlino said nothing had changed for Year 12 students in term four, including VCE exams and getting results, certificates and ATARs (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) before the end of the year.
“I can assure students and parents you will receive your certificate and receive your results, you will receive your ATAR. So there is no change to any VCE exam. The only thing that will change is the GAT (General Achievement Test), which will move from September to early
term four.”
The new rules – which will run for six weeks – are even tighter in metropolitan Melbourne, which now has a curfew between 8pm and 5am and has closed all non-essential businesses under Stage 4 restrictions.
The state of disaster is in addition to the state of emergency that already exists and will grant police additional powers.
For the latest updates, head to dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.