Covid Victoria lockdown restrictions: new Melbourne and regional Vic coronavirus rules explained | Victoria

Victoria has imposed a seven-day “circuit-breaker lockdown” in response to a growing Covid cluster in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

From 11.59pm Thursday, 27 May until 11.59pm Thursday 3 June, the following rules apply to the entire state of Victoria – not just Melbourne.

When can I leave my house?

You cannot leave your home unless it is for one of five approved reasons.

The reasons are: shopping; authorised work or education; exercise; caregiving, compassionate and medical reasons; and to get vaccinated.

Those first four reasons are the same as previous lockdowns, and the fifth reason – to get vaccinated – is new.

How far can I travel from home?

For shopping and exercise, you need to stay within a 5km radius of your home.

What are the rules for exercise?

There is a two-hour limit on exercise, and can only be with one other person, and you must stay within a 5km radius of your home.

What are the rules for wearing face masks?

Masks must be worn everywhere except for in your home. This includes both indoor places and outdoor areas – unless you have a medical exemption. This rule applies to all of Victoria.

Can I have visitors to my house?

No visitors are allowed to your home, other than an intimate partner. People who live alone will be able to form a “single bubble”. If you live alone, you can make a bubble with another person, who can visit you.

Can I travel interstate?

Each state and territory is updating guidance on travel rules individually:

What about public gatherings?

Public gatherings are not allowed.

What is happening with schools?

Schools will move to remote learning, except for vulnerable children and the children of essential workers.

Higher education will also move to remote learning.

Childcare centres and kindergartens are still open.

Can I dine in at a restaurant or cafe?

No. Restaurants, cafes and pubs will be open for takeaway only.

Are the shops open?

Essential retail, such as supermarkets, petrol, pharmacies, bottle shops and banks, will be open. But other shops will be open only for click and collect.

What about weddings, funerals and religious services?

Only 10 people will be allowed to attend funerals in person. No weddings are allowed unless for end of life or deportation reasons. No religious activities are allowed in person beyond five people.

What about aged care and hospitals?

No visitors are allowed at aged care facilities except for limited reasons. There will be no visitors to hospitals allowed except for end of life, if you’re a partner during the birth of your child, or a parent accompanying a child.

Can I go and get vaccinated?

Getting vaccinated is one of the reasons people who are eligible to receive the jab can leave home. The Victorian government has expanded the eligibility to include those aged between 40-49 for state-operated vaccination sites. People in this category can now call the hotline on 1800 675 398 to book an appointment.

• Due to the unprecedented and ongoing nature of the coronavirus outbreak, this article is regularly updated to ensure it reflects the current situation at the date of publication. Any significant corrections made to this or previous versions of the article will continue to be footnoted in line with Guardian editorial policy.

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