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What people in Melbourne won't be able to do from tomorrow night

A number of Victoria’s suburbs, including metropolitan Melbourne, are due to go into stage three lockdown in a bid to stop coronavirus spreading.

But what does that mean for people in these suburbs? What can and can’t they do?

Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Tuesday metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will go into a stage three lockdown for six weeks from midnight on Wednesday.

He revealed the measures after Victoria recorded another 191 cases.

“It is simply impossible with case rates at this level to have enough contact tracing staff, to have enough physical resources no matter where they come from, no matter what uniform they wear, in order to continue to suppress and contain this virus without taking significant steps,” the premier said.

“We have to be realistic about the circumstances that we confront.”

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speaks to media in Melbourne.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announces a return to the restrictions. Source: AAP

Four reasons to leave the home

There are only four reasons residents can leave the home.

These are to get food, to receive or provide care, to exercise, and for work or study.

Eating at restaurants and cafes

Anyone who’s after a morning coffee at the local or keen on heading out for Thai on Saturday night is out of luck.

Restaurants and cafes will continue to operate but on takeaway only. This includes bars and nightclubs.

“I know just how tough this will be for these businesses and for their workers,” Mr Andrews said.

“I promise, we’ll have more to say shortly about support to help get you through.”

A bartender serves beer to patrons as they await their meals at the Young & Jackson pub in Melbourne, Australia.
Pubgoers are served beers at Young & Jackson pub in Melbourne last month. Source: Getty Images

Visiting friends and relatives

Residents can only visit friends or relatives if it’s for caregiving reasons or on compassionate grounds.

Getting a haircut or visiting a beauty parlour

Hairdressers will remain open but they have to request contact details and names from customers for contact tracing.

Tanning, waxing, nail salons, spas, tattoo parlours and massage parlours will remain shut.

Funerals, weddings and religious ceremonies

Weddings are still allowed but they are now restricted to five people and that includes the two people getting married.

Visiting church on Sunday is prohibited along with heading to any other places of worship.

Funerals remain possible for a maximum of 10 mourners.

Gyms and swimming pools

Unfortunately, anyone looking for exercise at the gym or the pool will have to make other arrangements.

Exercise outside is fine as long as it’s conducted within the area the person lives.

A woman exercises on the pier at Albert Park Lake as restrictions are being eased in Victoria during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Melbourne, Australia.
A woman at Albert Park Lake. Source: Getty Images

“Unless you’re a local, that means no fishing trips at Lakes Entrance. No four-hour hikes in the Grampians,” Mr Andrews said.

Personal training sessions will be restricted to two people including the trainer.

All community sport is cancelled.

Cinemas, theatres and museums

Going to the art gallery or heading out to catch a flick on Friday night will not be possible under stage three restrictions.

Zoos will also be closed along with libraries and amusement parks.

Auctions

Auction houses can still conduct business but it has to be done remotely.

Schools

Year 11 and 12 students will go back to school on Monday next week as planned along with special schools.

“For students Prep to Year 10, we’re going to extend the school holidays by one week, so we can get more advice from our health experts,” Mr Andrews said.

“But I want to be upfront and let parents know that a return to remote learning for these kids is a possibility, if that’s what they tell us is safest.”

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