Victoria goes into week-long “circuit breaker” lockdown

The Acting Premier of Victoria, the Hon James Merlino MP, has announced a seven day “circuit breaker” lockdown to commence at midnight tonight, Thursday 27 May.

Restrictions on business activity follow similar lines to previous lockdowns with differing impacts on HVIA members depending on whether you manufacture, service and repair or sell vehicles.

In essence, the advice is to stay at home, unless you have to leave for work; all manufacturing, click and collect retail and vehicle repair and maintenance can continue to operate.

The restrictions are set to remain in place until 11:59pm on 3 June.

Mr Merlino said this type of short, sharp action has shown to be effective in stopping outbreaks in their tracks.

“Our public health experts’ prime concern is just how fast the B1.617.1 variant is moving,” he said.

“Overseas, they haven’t been able to track how quickly this version of the virus can move. Here in Victoria, though, we’re seeing not only how quick it is – but how contagious it is too.

“Our contract tracers are identifying and locking down first ring, second ring and third ring contacts within 24 hours. That’s faster than ever. And yet this variant is still moving faster.”

From 11:59pm tonight, there will be five reasons to leave home:

  • food and supplies.
  • authorised work.
  • Care and caregiving.
  • exercise, for up to two hours and with one other person.
  • and getting vaccinated.

Face masks will also need to be worn inside and outdoors – everywhere except your own home.

Mr Merlino said that without full vaccination, the virus will keep mutating and keep making its way back in.

“It’s clear – more than ever – this virus isn’t going away,” he said.

“Vaccines are the only way we’ll ever get back to normal.

“To that end, from tomorrow and dependent upon supply from the Federal Government, all Victorians over the age of 40 will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The Acting Premier urged eligible Victorians to make plans to get vaccinated.

“Because vaccination is our only real ticket out of this pandemic,” he said.


NHVR’s COVID Response Update – 27 May 2021

QLD update

From Thursday 27 May everyone arriving from Victoria will be required to complete a border pass.

Any of those arrivals who have been in the City of Whittlesea local government area on or since 11 May, and are a non-resident, will be turned away unless they have an exemption to enter the state.

Essential Freight workers can apply for a Freight and Logistics Pass (F Pass).

TAS update

Tasmania has announced a hard border for arrivals from Victoria effective of 2pm Thursday 27 May 2021.

Essential freight workers will be permitted to enter TAS with a G2G pass and will be subject to testing requirements. An essential traveller must be able to produce a negative Covid-19 test not more than 7 days old or submit to testing within 48 hours of arrival and then again on day 12 if remaining in TAS.

WA update

Western Australia has announced a hard border is in place from Thursday 27 May for arrivals from Victoria.

Essential freight workers will be allowed to enter WA if they have a G2G pass and can produce a negative Covid-19 test not more than 7 days old, or submit to a Covid-19 test within 48 hours of arrival and again on day 12 if remaining in WA.

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