Melbourne Has Reimposed Stage 3 Coronavirus Lockdown Restrictions

It will come into effect from midnight on Wednesday.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that all of metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will go back into Stage 3 lockdown.

The news comes after the state recorded 191 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours.

As reported by 7NEWS, Premier Andrews said the lockdown will come into effect from midnight on Wednesday 8 July and will last for six weeks, until at least 19 August.

While the lockdown is in place, people will only be able to leave the house for four reasons, including shopping for food supplies, work or education (if it can't be conducted at home), exercise and care-giving.

Businesses such as restaurants, cafes and bars will need to revert to only offering takeaway. On the other hand, beauty, personal services, cultural venues and gyms will need to shut their doors for the time being. Arenas, food courts, casinos, pools, cinemas and playgrounds will also need to close.

If you were thinking of heading to your holiday home, you won't be able to do that either. In fact, you cannot leave the metro area for exercise at all. Although, fishing, boating, tennis and golf are allowed in the metro area.

Year 11 and 12 students, and Year 10s undertaking VCE subjects will return to normal face-to-face learning from Monday 13 July onwards for Term 3. But for those in Prep to Year 10, school holidays will be extended by one week for the time being.

As for public and private gatherings, visitors are not allowed at private homes. A maximum of two people may gather in public at one time.

Additionally, as of midnight tonight, the NSW-Victoria border will be shut for the first time in a century, and no reopening date has been confirmed at this stage.

If you live in Melbourne, make sure to practice social distancing and maintain good hygiene.

While being stuck at home again is definitely not fun, you could use this time to watch your favourite series, catch up on some podcasts you love or read a new book!