Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
It will come into place from 12pm today and last at least four weeks, although Andrews said it would likely be extended and remain in place “as long as it needs to be”.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Victoria soared by 14 on Sunday night, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 71 by on Monday morning.
From midday, non-essential mass gatherings of over 500 people such as cultural events, sporting events or conferences, are banned in Victoria. However, this does not include public transport, food markets and workplaces. At this state, areas where 500 people may be present in transit – such as Federation Square or Bourke Street Mall – are also exempt from the ban.
Expanded powers from the state of emergency mean people who don’t comply with a directive could receive a fine of up to $20,000, with body corporates could face fines of up to $100,000.
These expanded powers mean that people who don’t comply with a directive could receive a fine of up to $20,000. Fines for body corporates that don’t comply could be up to $100,000.
“These powers have never been used before,” Andrews said.
“That gives you, I hope, a really clear sense about the unprecedented nature of this public health emergency, this really significant challenge.
It comes one day after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced all arrivals to Australia would have to self-isolate for 14 days, a move Andrews said was a “proportionate and appropriate response”.
Andrews there is “nothing we can do” to prevent new cases entirely, but that these measures were about “flatting the curve” to prevent overloading the health system.
“This is dynamic. It will change,” Andrews said.
A short time later, the ACT also declared a state of emergency, after a second coronavirus case was detected overnight.
“We need to understand there is no short-term solution. It’s not just everyone goes into quarantine for two weeks and it goes away,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr told ABC radio.
“This will continue to circulate the globe until everyone has immunity to coronavirus or there is a vaccine.”
