Coronavirus: Dan Andrews threatens Melbourne hot spots with stay-at-home order

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has warned residents of the state’s virus hot spots that strict lockdowns could be in their future.

Victoria’s Premier Dan Andrews has issued a stark warning to those in virus hot spots refusing to take a coronavirus test, floating the idea of parts of the state going back into strict lockdown.

“If we have to further limit movement in some of those suburbs, so for instance, a stay at home order — much like we all, as a community, had to endure for what felt like the longest of times — if that is deemed the appropriate public health response, then that is what we‘ll do,” he told media this morning.

“We’ll do it if we need to.”

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Premier Dan Andrews has threatened to call another lockdown if people don’t do the right thing. Picture: Ian Currie

“I’m not announcing that today … I’m hoping it doesn’t get to that.

“But it is another reminder that if people in those communities come forward and get tested, that will make it less likely that we need to move to those sorts of restrictions being reimposed.

“If someone knocks on your door, take the test.”

Victoria recorded 49 new cases overnight.

Almost 24,000 homes have been doorknocked with 1000 boots on the ground, according to Victoria Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos.

However, people are still refusing testing.

“It (swab testing) is not necessarily the most pleasant experience, but it is a powerful thing that you can do and it makes a massive difference for all of us,” Mr Andrews said.

Victorian Minister for Health, Jenny Mikakos speaks to the media. (Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

With new saliva tests being rolled out as of today, authorities are hopeful that more people will accept this less invasive style of test.

“The saliva testing is also starting, not just in our hotel quarantine today, but also in our priority suburbs,” Ms Mikakos said.

“So please be tested for yourself and for your loved ones. Even if you have very mild symptoms, and this is a very contagious virus and you could — contagious virus and you could give it to the ones you love the most.”

Premier Andrews encouraged people to do the right thing.

“This is not over and there are thousands and thousands of people working day and night,” he said.

“Please work with us, please do the right thing, please follow the rules, please get tested. That is the key message.

“It is not over. It is with us for months and months until we get a vaccine. I take no joy in having to be as direct as that, but it is not over, and the fact you wanted to be over is no excuse for behaving badly.”