What changes in Melbourne after the declaration of the state of disaster

A curfew, that is a ban (with few exceptions) to leave home from 8pm to 5am, came into effect yesterday evening in the capital of Victoria. The decision by Premier Daniel Andrews after the state reported 671 new COVID-19 cases and seven deaths on Sunday.

Protective Service Officers patrol Swanston street before a citywide curfew is introduced in Melbourne, Sunday, 2 August, 2020. Source: AAP

With our Australian political correspondent, Paul Scutti, we analysed what changes in Victoria after the introduction of the state of disaster.

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• The measures will remain in effect until 13 September
• Exercise will only be possible for one hour a day
• Shopping or exercise not allowed more than 5km away from home

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In addition, only one person per family per day will be able to go shopping, while sports such as tennis and golf will be prohibited. Limitations also for weddings and religious services.

Following the declaration of the state of disaster, the police will have additional powers to fine anyone who is found not to comply with the curfew or is found outside a radius of 5 km from their home for no valid reason.

Victoria's last seven deaths bring the national toll to 208. Six of the seven victims are linked to the elderly care sector.

73 of the new cases are linked to known outbreaks, 598 remain under investigation and 760 so-called "mysterious cases" have yet to be traced.

At the federal level, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said that "Victoria is at war" and added that the government is considering an economic support package to handle the emergency.

The package could include an extension of the JobKeeper grants and the introduction of paid pandemic leave.