Stage 3 restrictions

Gatherings are now restricted to no more than 2 people except for members of your immediate household and for work or education. These restrictions are now enforceable
(FAQ for further info)

The State of Emergency has been extended until midnight 11 May 2020 to continue the measures designed to ‘flatten the curve’ of coronavirus and give our health system the best chance of managing the virus. The State of Emergency was originally due to expire on 13 April.

This date may be changed in the coming weeks, as you well know everything is updated as soon as information is provided

Frequently asked questions

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses known to cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). This new coronavirus originated in the end of 2019 and the disease caused by the virus is named COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath. The virus can spread from person to person, but good hygiene can prevent infection.

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  • Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • Stay home if you feel unwell.
  • If you have a fever, a cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. Call in advance.
  • Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Avoiding unneeded visits to medical facilities allows healthcare systems to operate more effectively, therefore protecting you and others.
 
 
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People of all ages can be infected by the COVID-19. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.

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Social distancing includes ways to stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases. It means less contact between you and other people.

The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available. Self-isolation lasts for 14 days You must stay at home to prevent the possible spread of the virus to other people.

A quarantine is a restriction on the movement of people and goods which is intended to prevent the spread of disease. The Australian Federal Government has issues a nation-wide quarantine 

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Gatherings are now restricted to no more than 2 people except for members of your immediate household and for work or education.

These Stage 3 restrictions came into effect at 11:59pm Monday 30 March 2020. They will be in place for 4 weeks and reviewed as required.

If people breach these directions, they face on-the-spot fines of $1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses. Larger fines can also be issued through the courts.

We’re also telling Victorians – there are only 4 reasons to be out:

  • shopping for what you need – food and essential supplies
  • medical, care or compassionate needs
  • exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements
  • work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely

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You may only leave your home during this period to:

  • shop for food and other necessary goods and services
  • access medical services or provide caregiving – for example, this includes shared parenting obligations or providing care and support to an unwell, disabled, elderly or pregnant friend or relative
  • attend work or education where you can’t do those things from home
  • exercise.

You may also leave your home in an emergency or if required by law.