Melbourne’s harsh new lockdown laws explained

Melbourne’s lockdown just got longer and more restrictive. Here’s what you can and can’t do.

Melbourne’s lockdown has been extended until at least September 2, with tighter restrictions enforced across the city.

Here’s what you can and can’t do.

WHAT IS MELBOURNE’S CURFEW?

Melburnians cannot leave their homes from 9pm to 5am for 14 days after 12.01am Tuesday, August 17 - except for medical reasons or authorised work.

Melbourne will be under strict curfew conditions from 9pm to 5am for two weeks. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Paul Jeffers

WHAT ARE THE REASONS TO LEAVE HOME?

There are only five reasons to leave home.

• Getting the food and supplies you need

• Exercise

• Caregiving

• Authorised work if you can’t do it from home

• To get vaccinated or tested for Covid

CAN I GO TO WORK?

You must work from home unless you have an essential worker permit.

WHEN DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK?

You must wear a mask whenever you leave home, including any indoor settings. You can remove your mask outdoors to drink coffee, but not alcohol.

ARE SCHOOLS OPEN?

Schools remain closed. Students of essential workers or vulnerable families can apply to be at school.

IS CHILDCARE OPEN?

Childcare, kinders and family day care will remain open.

CAN I GO TO UNIVERSITY OR TAFE?

Higher education and training is be closed.

HOW OFTEN CAN I GO TO THE SUPERMARKET OR SHOPS?

Trips to the supermarket are limited to one trip per day. You must shop alone, not with your family. You must use a QR code check-in upon entering.

WHAT STORES/BUSINESSES ARE OPEN?

Only essential services such as supermarkets and chemists will be open.

WHAT ARE THE RULES ON EXERCISE?

You can only exercise within 5km of your home and only for two hours per day. Exercise will be limited to just you and one other person.

CAN I TAKE MY KIDS TO THE LOCAL PLAYGROUND?

No. Playgrounds, basketball courts, skate parks and outdoor exercise equipment are closed.

HOW FAR CAN I GO FROM HOME?

You can only travel 5km from your home unless travelling for one of the five permitted reasons. Singles can travel beyond their 5km to visit their “bubble partner” (but not during curfew hours).

CAN I TRAVEL OUTSIDE MY 5KM FOR COVID TESTING OR A VACCINATION?

Yes. You can travel to be tested or get vaccinated.

CAN MY INTIMATE PARTNER VISIT MY HOME?

Yes. This is an exception to the visitor rule.

I’M SINGLE. CAN I VISIT SOMEONE?

If you live alone and are single, you can form a “single bubble” with one other person.

You can visit this one person, and this one person only.

CAN I TRAVEL TO REGIONAL VICTORIA FROM MELBOURNE?

No. There is no “ring of steel” but spot checks will take place to ensure people are not breaking the 5km travel limit.

CAN I ATTEND CHURCH?

No. All in-person religious ceremonies will be cancelled.

I’M DUE TO HAVE A BABY. CAN MY PARTNER OR A SUPPORT PERSON BE WITH ME?

Yes, your partner can be with you.

I’M IN HOSPITAL (OR AGED CARE). CAN I HAVE VISITORS?

Visitors in healthcare and aged care facilities will be limited to no more than two visitors per day.

I’M BOOKED IN FOR SURGERY/A PROCEDURE. WILL IT GO AHEAD?

Hospitals and surgeons will make the call depending on your level of need.