Eerie scenes in Melbourne as state enters fourth lockdown

Melbourne’s once thriving city centre has turned into an eerie ghost town after the state’s snap lockdown to curb another coronavirus outbreak.

Melbourne has once again transformed into an eerie ghost town after strict restrictions were imposed to halt the latest outbreak of coronavirus.

The state was plunged into a snap seven-day “circuit breaker” lockdown from midnight Thursday after coronavirus cases spiked in Melbourne’s north.

Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall is almost empty during the morning peak on the first day of the state’s fourth lockdown. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Two people stand outside the usually busy shopping precinct at Bourke St in Melbourne. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Eerie scenes show a nearly empty Bourke St. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

On Friday an additional four cases were detected that were linked to the existing cluster, bringing the total of active cases to 39.

The once bustling Bourke St was virtually abandoned on the first day of restrictions.

People may only leave their homes for five reasons; to shop for food and essential items, provide or receive care, to exercise, essential work or study and to get vaccinated if eligible.

CityLink is almost empty during the morning peak on the first day of lockdown. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Workers move the few pedestrians away from Melbourne’s city centre during the morning peak. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Once busy Swan St in Richmond is almost empty. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Victorians must also observe a 5km travel limit for both exercise and shopping (unless their closest supermarket is outside of the limit), and masks are compulsory both indoors and outdoors.

Cafes and restaurants may only offer takeaway, but non-essential shops have been closed.

Supermarkets, bottle shops and pharmacies are allowed to remain open.