Melbourne coronavirus lockdown: Everything you can and can’t do

A lot has changed in Greater Melbourne over the last month. Here’s a rundown of what you can and cannot do during the lockdown.

For residents living in Metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire, Stage 3 lockdown restrictions have been in place since July 8.

This means you can only leave your home for one of four reasons – to buy food and supplies; to care for someone; to exercise, and; to study or go to work if you can’t do it from home.

A lot has changed since before then, when previous coronavirus restrictions were lifted. These rules are compulsory and have been issued by the Victorian chief health officer while Victoria is under a state of emergency.
Here’s a rundown on everything you can and cannot do in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire.

People exercise in Birrarung Marr park in Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling

CAN I EXERCISE IN THE PARK?

Exercising outdoors is permitted in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire. You can do this on your own, with people who live in your household, or with one other person from outside your household.

Exercise permitted includes walking, running, hiking, bike riding, surfing, kayaking and yoga, the DHHS said. If you live in Melbourne or the Mitchell Shire, you are not allowed to leave those areas while exercising outside.

If your favourite walking track is far away from your home, you’re not permitted to travel there.

All Victorians are advised to keep at least 1.5m between themselves and others while exercising.

RELATED: Melbourne coronavirus: Residents could be fined for exercise far from home

CAN I SEE MY PERSONAL TRAINER?

As stated above, in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire, you can train with one other person who is not from your household, so you can see a personal trainer. However, there are some restrictions attached to this kind of exercise. You must keep 1.5m apart and shouldn’t share equipment.

Boot camps and group fitness is not permitted in the Mitchell Shire and Melbourne areas.

Group fitness and boot camps are permitted across the rest of Victoria outdoors with no more than 20 people outdoors, and no more than 10 people indoors.

HOW FAR CAN I TRAVEL FROM MY HOME?

The DHHS has urged Melburnians not to travel further than they need to.

“Please use common sense and consideration when it comes to these activities and stay close to home,” the guidance on the website reads.

WHAT TIME AM I ALLOWED TO GO OUT

You are free to leave your home at any time, as long as it’s for one of the four approved reasons. For example, if you work night shift, you would be leaving your home late at night for work. The DHHS otherwise strongly encourages people to be staying at home.

People walking at Albert Park lake in Melbourne. Picture: William West/AFP

AM I ALLOWED TO GO FOR A LONG BIKE RIDE?

People living in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire are only allowed to leave those areas in the case of an emergency.

If you live in Melbourne or the Mitchell Shire, you cannot ride your bike out of those areas, even for the purpose of exercising, according to the DHHS.

CAN I PLAY GOLF?

It’s OK to play golf in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire, but you can only play with people in your household, or one other person. And as per the instructions on exercise, there are some restrictions.

Players must keep 1.5m apart at all times, and stay 100m away from other groups of golfers. Shared facilities and driving ranges aren’t permitted to open and if you live in Melbourne or the Mitchell Shire you can’t leave the area to play golf.

Having a membership at a golf club outside of the restricted area does not give you permission to leave the area to play golf, according to the DHHS.

Golfing is allowed across the rest of Victoria, but players are advised to keep 1.5m apart at all times.

WHAT ABOUT SKATE PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS?

Unfortunately skate parks and playgrounds have also been closed in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire.

Skate parks and playgrounds are open across the rest of Victoria.

Skate parks have been closed in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire. Picture: Sarah Matray

CAN I EXERCISE WITH OTHER PEOPLE?

If you live in Melbourne or the Mitchell Shire, you’re allowed to exercise outdoors while keeping to the above restrictions only.

That means community sport has been cancelled in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire, and people living in these areas are not permitted to travel to other parts of Victoria to participate in community sport.

CAN I SIT IN THE PARK?

People living in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire are permitted to go to the park by themselves, with people from their household or with one other person. You’re allowed to be there for exercise or general wellbeing, for activities including reading, playing a musical instrument or doing yoga.

RELATED: Type of face mask you should wear

CAN I TRAVEL AROUND MELBOURNE AND THE MITCHELL SHIRE?

Again, the advice from the government is that if you live in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire, you shouldn’t be leaving home unless it’s for one of the four permitted reasons. But if you are leaving home, you’re free to travel around those areas.

CAN I TRAVEL THROUGH MELBOURNE IF I DON’T LIVE THERE?

If you live in Victoria outside of Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire, you are only permitted to enter the area for essential reasons.

Those reasons are shopping for necessary food and supplies; medical and other essential care; and, study and work – if you can’t do it from home.

You can’t enter these areas for a holiday, exercise or recreation.

While you don’t need a permit or exemption to enter Melbourne or the Mitchell Shire, the DHHS warns police may stop and ask people to confirm their reasons of travel and to provide documents confirming that travel. Fines for entering the areas can be issued.

Nurses outside the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Picture: Aaron Francis/The Australian

ARE SWIMMING POOLS CLOSED?

All swimming pools, spas and saunas have been closed across Melbourne and the Mitchell shire from July 8.

Across the rest of Victoria swimming pools are open and a 4 square metre rule applies and a maximum of 20 people are allowed in a pool at any one time.

HOW MUCH CAN I BE FINED?

Victoria Police can issue on-the-spot fines to individuals of up to $1652 and up to $9913 to businesses for failing to comply with emergency or other directions. Fines of up to $20,000 for individuals and $100,000 for businesses are enforceable through the courts.

HOW ARE THESE MEASURES BEING ENFORCED?

The Victorian government is using emergency powers given to them by the deputy chief health officer, and conducting spot checks throughout the state to make sure Victorians are complying with the health orders.

Government and industry bodies are working together to inform Victorians of the changes and undertake enforcement where necessary.

Members of the community can report concerns through the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.