What You Can and Cannot Do Under Stage 4 Restrictions in Victoria

Here’s what you need to know.

With the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continuing to rise in Victoria, Stage 4 restrictions have been introduced across metropolitan Melbourne from Sunday 2 August for six weeks.

The state has moved to tougher lockdown measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. On Sunday, Victoria recorded another 671 new cases of COVID-19. 

As reported by The Guardian, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said that government modelling showed that without Stage 4 restrictions, Stage 3 would have needed to last six months.

So, what are the new restrictions?

While Stage 4 is similar to Stage 3 in many ways, there's one big difference: there is now a curfew on Melbourne residents between 8pm and 5am.

The curfew aims to reduce the number of people leaving their homes and moving around. It means that you'll only be allowed to leave your house for work, essential health care or caregiving during the night. 

During the day, you're still allowed to leave your home for the four main reasons, including shopping for essential items, care and caregiving, daily exercise and work. 

Except, the store you shop at must be within a 5 kilometre distance from your home, unless the nearest supermarket is further than 5 kilometres away.

On top of that, only one person per household can go shopping per day.

You can leave your home if you're at risk of family violence, to apply for an intervention order, to attend court, or to go to a police station. 

Restaurants and cafes will be able to trade as takeaway and delivery businesses only. 

Mr Andrews has also announced that majority of the retail trade, including clothing and footwear stores and food courts will need to close. Bunnings will be open for collection and delivery only, while personal care and beauty services such as hairdressers and nail salons will need to shut their doors. 

Okay, what about exercise?

It's important to stay active while you're stuck at home. Under Stage 4 restrictions, outdoor exercise is limited to one hour, once per day.

This exercise has to be within 5 kilometres of your home, and in metropolitan Melbourne. 

If you're not keen on venturing outdoors to exercise, you can find some ways to keep fit at home here.

What's happening with schools and universities?

Students will need to go back to flexible learning and remote learning from Wednesday 5 August. This includes VCE students who had previously been learning on campus.

Monday 3 August will be a normal school day and Tuesday 4 August will be a pupil-free day.

There will be exemptions for students of parents who are working, however, these exemptions will be rare. Plus, vulnerable students will still be able to access the in-school experience. 

Additionally, specialist schools will remain open, while study at TAFE and university must be done remotely. 

As reported by the ABC, Education Minister James Merlino said Year 12 students will receive their ATAR score and VCE and VCAL certificates by the end of 2020. 

Although, it's not clear what date students will receive their results or if there will be any further changes to VCE exams. 

Students in regional Victoria will also move to remote and flexible learning. 

Do I still need to wear a face mask? 

Yes, you most definitely do. Since Wednesday 22 July, it has been compulsory for people in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire to wear face masks in public. 

In fact, the rule was extended on Sunday 2 August to include the whole state. 

You'll need to wear a mask or face covering whenever you leave your home, unless you're exempt due to a medical condition. Children younger than 12 also don't need to wear a face mask. 

Students attending face-to-face classes will also need to wear masks.

Just ordered a Batman face mask, the new essential accessory in Melbourne 🙌🏽😂

— AlgorithmsGotMeAgain..🎬3 (@accessdenied003) August 3, 2020

Can I have friends over or travel to see my partner? 

As per the new restrictions, you can't have any visitors over or go to another person's house unless it's for the purpose of giving or receiving care. 

On the other hand, if your partner lives outside of Melbourne or more than 5 kilometres from your home, you can still visit them, even if it's during curfew hours.

The good thing is, if you live by yourself in Melbourne, under the newly announced stage 4 restrictions you can still visit your partner if they live elsewhere. The bad news is I’ve been single for about 10 year.

— 🐱 Nicole (@nicolemhxx) August 2, 2020

Along with these restrictions, religious services will need to be broadcast online and weddings won't be allowed from Thursday 6 August. Only 10 people will be permitted to attend a funeral. 

Additionally, employers must support you to work from home if you're able to. 

What happens if I break the rules? 

Mr Andrews has stated that police will monitor traffic leaving metropolitan Melbourne and officers will enforce restrictions within the city. 

If you are caught breaking the rules, Victoria police can issue fines of up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses. 

Now we live in Melbourne CBD When these stage 4 restrictions are over my partner and I are going to be like Frodo at the end of Return of the King. pic.twitter.com/B9vVD00ENV

— Sexygeek ❤ (@SexyGeek217) August 2, 2020

Of course, it's crucial to continue practicing social distancing, maintain good hygiene, and look after your physical and mental wellbeing while restrictions are in place.

Header Image: elenaleonova / E+ via Getty Images