New restrictions now in place

New statewide restrictions came into effect from 11:59pm last night, February 3, after a Hotel Quarantine worker at the Grand Hyatt Hotel tested positive to coronavirus (COVID-19).

The limit on the number of people gathering in a household has now been reduced from 30 to 15, meaning the household members plus 15 visitors (excluding children under 12 months of age).

Masks are again mandatory in public indoor spaces. If you have visitors in your home, it is strongly recommended that masks are worn during the visit. Masks must be worn in indoor public spaces apart from when eating or drinking. If you are planning to leave your home – take a mask.

The 75 per cent ‘return to work’ cap in both public and private sectors scheduled for Monday 8 February has been paused and the current cap of 50% will remain in place.

More updates, including exposure sites and possible changes to public health directions, will be provided this evening.  A list of exposure sites can be found at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/important-alert-about-new-hotel-quarantine-case-covid-19

Major testing sites in Melbourne’s South East opened early this morning, with additional lanes for drive-through testing sites. Rapid Response Team sites have also been set up.

For more information on where to get tested, call the 24-hour Coronavirus Hotline at 1800 675 398 or visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

If you have been at an exposure site, isolate and get tested.

If you have symptoms, isolate and get tested.