For the first time in history Melbourne is living under a curfew as part of strict stage four restrictions.
The sweeping changes announced yesterday threw up a lot of questions and will greatly disrupt the daily lives of Victorians.
We've answered some of your most common questions, for metro Melbourne (now in stage four) and regional Victoria (soon to be in stage three).
Metropolitan Melbourne - stage four restrictions
Can I go to a store 5km away from my home?
In short, no. You can only travel up to 5km from your home.
What if the closest store is more than 5km away?
You'll be allowed, but remember just one person can do the shopping.
So just one person per shopping trip?
That's right. Only one person per household can leave home to get necessary goods and services and only once a day. This means you can't do multiple shopping trips in a day.
What if I have a young child?
Young children or at-risk people can accompany you. But if you are stopped, expect to answer questions.
What are the new exercise restrictions?
Big changes here. You can leave home to exercise but there are limits. Do not go further than 5km from your home. You can exercise with one other person you live with or a friend or family member.
Is there a time limit on exercise?
Sure is. One hour, once a day.
What about recreation, like golf, tennis, fishing?
Recreational activities are not allowed for at least six weeks.
So what does 'exercise' mean?
You can still walk, cycle, run, do yoga or a workout in the park.
What if I need to seek healthcare?
If you need healthcare, go and get it. Keep all of your medical appointments. This is important and always will be.
What about childcare?
From 11:59pm on Wednesday 5 August, kindergarten and early childhood centres in metropolitan Melbourne will only be open for vulnerable children and children whose parents are permitted workers.
Are schools closed?
All students across Victoria return to remote learning from 11:59pm on Tuesday 4 August. Schools will still be open for vulnerable students and students whose parents are permitted workers. Specialist schools in regional Victoria will also remain open.
My partner lives in another house. Where does this leave us?
You can still visit an intimate partner under stage 4 restrictions.
And what about shared parenting?
Shared parenting arrangements, both formal and informal, can continue.
I usually look after a vulnerable family member, what can I do?
You can leave home to care for a sick or elderly relative. But wear a face mask and keep 1.5 metres distant.
I've heard I can't get married. Is this right?
Pretty much. If you live in metropolitan Melbourne you can't get married, except on compassionate grounds.
And funerals?
You can hold a funeral in metropolitan Melbourne but no more than 10 people can attend.
Can I nip out and grab a coffee or take away food?
Yes, but only if pick up is within 5 km from your home.
Will public transport continue to operate?
Yes, but with a reduced schedule in metropolitan Melbourne during curfew hours.
Can I leave my home at all during the 8pm - 5am curfew?
Only for reasons including work, essential health, care or safety reasons. You can also leave your home in an emergency.
I'm scheduled to move homes this week. Can I do that?
Yes, but not during curfew hours and make sure you're wearing a face mask and taking usual precautions.
I need to take my pet to the vet, is this okay?
Yes, you can take your pet to the vet.
Can I walk my dog?
It has to happen during your one-hour of exercise. You can take your dog outside for multiple bathroom breaks, but this doesn't mean walking it. Keep close to your apartment.
Regional Victoria – stage three restrictions
When do new stage three restrictions come in?
From 11:59pm on Wednesday 5 August, stage 3 stay at home restrictions will apply.
I live very close to metro Melbourne, which is in stage four. What is regional Victoria?
The definition of metropolitan Melbourne is based on the Planning and Environment Act 1987 which sets out the local government areas that form metropolitan Melbourne.
So, in a nutshell, what are the stage three changes?
If you live in regional Victoria, including Mitchell Shire, there are only four reasons that you can leave home.
And what are those reasons?
1. to shop for food and essential goods or services
2. to provide care, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment
3. to exercise or for outdoor recreation with your household, or one other person
4. for work or study, if you can't do it from home
Can I have visitors or go and see someone?
You may no longer have visitors to your home or visit other people in their homes.
What about childcare?
Kindergarten and early childhood centres in regional Victoria can remain open. For schools, check the question in the metro Melbourne section.
You can get up-to-date information from the Federal Government's Coronavirus Australia app, available on the App Store, Google Play and the Government's WhatsApp channel.
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