Friday, September 19, 2025

Victoria now under state of disaster, curfew declared

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that a state of disaster in Victoria will come into place from 6:00 pm tonight.

From 6:00pm tonight, a state of disaster will be declared across Victoria, which will act in addition to the state of emergency.

A curfew will be imposed from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am in Melbourne. The only exception will be for work or care giving.

Andrews said the state of disaster gave police greater power and allowed authorities to suspend acts of Parliament.

Under the stage four rules

  • Exercise outdoors will be limited to one hour per day, with one other person (Recreational exercise like tennis and golf are banned)
  • Only one person per household will be able to go out shopping within 5km of their home, once per day
  • Remote learning will resume for all students from Wednesday (5 August)
  • Public transport will be restricted overnight
  • Weddings will be banned from Thursday (6 August)
  • Funerals will be limited to 10 people
  • Childcare centres will be closed.

This lockdown period will last six weeks and end in mid September.

Regional Victoria will move to stage three restrictions from Thursday.

Premier Andrews said 671 new coronavirus cases had been detected since yesterday and seven more people had died.

Six of the deaths have a connection to aged care.

The Mitchell Shire, north of Melbourne, will stay on the same stage three restrictions it has been on for nearly three weeks.

The new restrictions will last until at least September 13.

Panic buying

Empty shelves in Wollworth's | Photo: Alice Nicolas
Essential food items running out in Wolworth’s | Photo: Alice Nicolas
Empty shelves because of panic buying as Victoria goes on Stage 4 lockdown for six weeks | Photo: Alice Nicolas
Empty fruit shelves because of panic buying as Victoria goes on Stage 4 lockdown for six weeks | Photo: Alice Nicolas
More mpty shelves | Photo: Alice Nicolas
Fruits, vegetables, milk, pasta and rice in short supply | Photo: Alice Nicolas

Even before Premier Andrews made the latest restrictions, there was panic buying at supermarkets. 

Some Coles and Woolworths stores have sold out of chicken, mince, tinned tomatoes, and pasta and rice were in short supply. Even frozen vegetables, fruits, milk, and toilet paper are in short supply. 

Premier Andrews has assured Victorians that there are enough supply of food and essential items and there is no need for panic buying.

Mr Andrews said the changes being announced today were about how Victorians lived their lives, but more changes would be announced on Monday about restrictions on workplaces.

Hot this week

Heart, Culture and Film — The Journey of Marko Regalo in Australian Cinema

At just 22 years old, Marko Regalo is quickly...

Indictment filed against Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto

A formal criminal indictment has been filed against Gawad...

Understanding the Role of a Criminal Lawyer in Australia

Australia's legal system is known for its comprehensive and...

Back to Life in Spring

The sight of the morning fog slowly lifting and...

CSOL Online: Top Core Skills That You Can Study For Online in Australia

In Australia, some skills are in higher demand than...

Topics

Indictment filed against Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto

A formal criminal indictment has been filed against Gawad...

Understanding the Role of a Criminal Lawyer in Australia

Australia's legal system is known for its comprehensive and...

Back to Life in Spring

The sight of the morning fog slowly lifting and...

CSOL Online: Top Core Skills That You Can Study For Online in Australia

In Australia, some skills are in higher demand than...

Modern vs Traditional Blinds: Finding the Look That Suits You

When it comes to home renovation and styling, window...

Michael Learns To Rock to perform first Australian tour in 2026

Danish soft rock band Michael Learns To Rock (MLTR)...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_img