‘Crushing news’ PM says of Victoria’s extended lockdown

The extended lockdown in Victoria is “crushing news” for people in the state but it’s vital for the country to curb the coronavirus spread, according to Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (left) and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speak to the media during a press conference in Officer, Melbourne, Wednesday, September 4, 2019. The state and federal governments are promising an additional $367.5 million for more lanes on the Monash freeway. (AAP Image/David Crosling) NO ARCHIVING

The extended lockdown in Victoria is “crushing news” for people in the state but it’s vital for the country to curb the coronavirus spread, according to Prime Minister.

The decision to extend lockdown arrangements in the state “will be hard and crushing news” for Victorians, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Health Minister Greg Hunt said in a joint statement on Sunday.

“It is vital to the national interest to restore Victoria to a COVIDSafe environment, where we can reopen our economy and reasonably restore the liberties of all Australians, whether in Victoria or anywhere else,” it reads.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (left) and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speaking to the media last year. Picture: David Crosling

But the roadmap comes at a cost.

“The continued restrictions will have further impact on the Victorian and national economy, in further job losses and loss of livelihoods, as well as impacting on mental health,” they said.

The statement comes after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced there would be another two weeks of Stage 4 restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne on Sunday.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speaking at a press conference about the roadmap out of lockdown. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

“I apologise for the circumstances we find ourselves in,“ Mr Andrews said.

But there have been minor changes brought in from September 13 to ease some of restrictions including changing the curfew to run from 9pm until 5am, increasing the exercise limit to two hours and allow a visitor “bubble” for singles.

It is part of a five-step plan to bring the state to COVID-normal by the end of the year.