Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced this afternoon Victoria will return to lockdown from tonight.

On advice from the Chief Health Officer, all of Victoria returns to stage 4 restrictions from 23:59 tonight until 23:59 Wednesday.

The Premier has said this short lockdown is in response fears surrounding the “hyper-infectious” UK strain of COVID-19 is spreading faster than contract tracers can keep up. This strain has recently been detected in Melbourne in hotel quarantine.

This lockdown is for the whole state of Victoria including all regional areas.

Stage 4 restrictions will apply meaning:

You must stay within 5km of your home other than for permitted work.

No Visitors are allowed at your home.

Masks are mandatory everywhere in Victoria (except in your home).

No Public gatherings.

Hospitality moves to take away only.

Funerals can involve no more than 10 people.

Religious gatherings and ceremonies are not permitted.

Schools will close but remain open for vulnerable children or the children of essential workers.