Melbourne's Level 4 COVID-19 Lockdown: What you need to know

The rising active COVID-19 case numbers in Victoria has led to a stricter initiative as a means to take control of the situation before it spirals out of control. On Sunday, Victoria reported 671 new cases of Coronavirus and seven more deaths. 

The Victorian Government has announced that from 6 pm last night until the 13th September, Metropolitan Melbourne will be under curfew for the six weeks in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus.

Premier Daniel Andrews has also declared a state of disaster – for the first time since the bushfires earlier this year. 

“We can no longer have people simply out and about for no good reason whatsoever. It is not an easy decision to make but it is necessary and that’s why I’ve made it and that’s why police will be out in force and you will be stopped and you will be asked and need to demonstrate that you are lawfully out and you are not breaching that curfew,” 

Premier Daniel Andrews via The Guardian

What are the new lockdown restrictions?

• People living in Metropolitan Melbourne will be limited to a travel radius of 5 kilometres from their home for shopping and exercise.
• Exercise is restricted to pairs, even for those living in the same household. 
• Golf and tennis venues will be closed. 
• Grocery stores will remain open. However, some supermarkets may opt to limit the number of essential items that can be purchased to prevent a surge in panic buying.
• Public transport services will be scaled back between 8 pm and 5 am.
• Exercise is limited to one hour, once per day.
• Restaurants and cafes will only be allowed to trade as takeaway and delivery businesses. 

Which municipalities are included?

Everyone living in Metropolitan Melbourne must adhere to the curfew rules. Regional Victoria will return to stage three restrictions from Wednesday.

What are the curfew times?

Between 8 pm and 5 am, people living in Melbourne will not be permitted to leave their home. 

Exceptions to the curfew

People will be able to leave their homes after curfew to attend work, medical care and caregiving. People will also still be able to visit their partners, even if they live further than 5 kilometres from their home. 

Is there potential for the curfew to be less than six weeks?

At this stage, it is difficult to predict how the lockdown will play out, so it is advised to stay informed of regular government updates. However, Premier Daniel Andrews did explain that data would inform the decision to continue or amend the curfew restrictions in time.

“Ultimately we’ll have to be, just as we always have been, guided by the data, the evidence, the numbers and the detailed analysis of those numbers.”

What happens if you break the curfew?

At this stage, the fine for not adhering to the lockdown restrictions could range from $200 to $1,652, or $9,913 for businesses. However, this amount is subject to change. 

UPDATE: Premier Daniel Andrews has recently announced that in certain cases people could be fined $20,000 for reckless behaviour during the curfew. 

"If there were repeat breaches, if there were particularly selfish behaviour like, for instance, going to work when you had the virus, then there is the alternative pathway and that is, of course, taking you to the Magistrates Court, where the maximum penalty that can be applied to you is $20,000."

Premier Daniel Andrews via ITV

What to do if you're currently looking to buy property during this time?

If you find an off-the-plan property on Urban that you like the look of, agents are making it a whole lot easier for you to continue your property search and due diligence research from the comfort of your home. Currently, in-person display suite viewings are on hold until further notice, however, many agents are offering virtual tours, and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have via phone or email. Click the chat button on our website to find out more about how we can help facilitate a stress-free property search during lockdown. 

If you have any questions about the new lockdown rules, let us know in the comments below.