What can we do in Stage 3?
Some residents are confused about what's allowed under Stage 3 restrictions.
Regional Victoria, including here in Bass Coast, is enjoying a greater level of freedom than the residents of Melbourne who are under Stage 4 lockdown. This is causing some confusion for local residents, who are unsure where and how far they’re allowed to travel.
Unlike Melbourne, there is no night-time curfew or 5km travel restriction in place. That means residents are still permitted to travel to other regional areas, including driving from Phillip Island to Wonthaggi.
But there’s a catch.
The trip can only be for one of four reasons:
- to shop for food and essential goods or services
- to provide care, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment
- to exercise
- for work or study, if you can’t do it from home
The aim of the restrictions is to limit movement across the state and the amount we interact with other people.
You cannot go on holiday, have visitors to your house or visit friends, unless it is for care giving or compassionate reasons. And while you are allowed to go for a drive, you should only leave your car for one of the permitted reasons listed above.
Everyone must wear a face covering when they leave home.
Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale said although things were difficult, the lockdown was getting results.
“Thank you so much for everything each and every one of you are doing. Whilst the daily numbers look promising and our restrictions are taking effect, we still have people dying from this horrible virus, we have young people getting infected and children in hospital,” Ms Crugnale said.
“Now is not the time to slack off all our efforts, let’s keep going, and support and encourage each other along the way.”
Visiting Melbourne
Government guidelines state “you must not travel into metropolitan Melbourne under Stage 4 restrictions, except to buy necessary goods and services, for care and compassionate reasons or permitted work, and provided you comply with the Stage 4 restrictions.”
That means a shopping trip to Chadstone to buy a new dress is not allowed, however you can attend medical appointments or go to work.
Anyone travelling through Melbourne, is advised to plan their trip to avoid stopping in an impacted area.
Ms Crugnale recommended anyone moving through the lockdown area carry documentation that justifies one of the three reasons for travel. This would include proof of an appointment, a letter from your employer, or if self-employed, the contact details of who you are visiting for work related purposes.
“You would not be going to Melbourne to buy essential supplies like milk,” she said.
“If you need supplies deemed essential and you are unable to buy them online, then it is advisable to also have documentation."
Holiday homeowners who live in Melbourne should not be travelling to Phillip Island unless it is for essential maintenance work. Anyone already at their holiday house when Stage 3 came into effect at midnight on August 5 must stay there until the end of the restrictions.
Keeping safe
“The most important thing you can do is limit movement and interaction with people,” said Ms Crugnale.
“Wash and rewash your hands, wear a mask properly (and I mean properly!) and get tested even with the mildest of symptoms. This is tough, this is not over, and this is seriously impacting just about everything – our local businesses, our very social fabric, our health and our mental health. People are stretched and not coping. We just have to get these numbers down quickly so we can start rebuilding our lives, economy, and our community.”
She said the best way to keep safe was to “live to the spirit and intention of the Stay at Home rules” and ask yourself when you leave home – “is this really, really essential”.
“To be blunt – limit your movement and interaction with people.”
Ms Crugnale said it was important to check in with friends and neighbours to make sure people were coping with the restrictions. “If you or anyone you know is struggling, please reach out because there are people who can help,” she said.
Available mental health services include:
- Lifeline 13 11 17
- Kids Helpline (age 5-25 yrs)
- MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
- Safe Steps (Family Violence available 24/7) 1800 015 188
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
- ReachOut au.reachout.com
“And you can always ring my office Monday – Friday on 5672 4755. We are always here to help, and can direct you to the right service or resource that you need. Know that you are not alone," Ms Crugnale said.
Full details of the current Stage 3 restrictions are available at: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/stay-home-regional-victoria-covid-19
