By Jessica Micallef
The number of coronavirus cases across Hume and Macedon has increased to 26 across the two municipalities, up from 13 cases on Friday.
There are now a total of 18 cases in Hume, after eight cases were confirmed at the weekend. Cases in the Macedon Ranges rose by three, bringing the total to eight.
The number of cases across Victoria has skyrocketed, with 56 confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the state total to 821. Four people in Victoria have died from the virus.
The harsh rise in cases prompted the state government to enforce stage three of lockdown.
From midnight tonight, gatherings of more than two people will be banned, except for members of your immediate household and for work or education purposes.
People aged over 60 who have existing health conditions and people aged over 70 are urged to remain home and self-isolate.
Indigenous Australians aged over 50 who have existing health conditions are also advised to self-isolate at home.
Premier Daniel Andrews said there are only four valid reasons for Victorians to leave their home: for food and supplies, medical care, exercise and work or education.
People who don’t comply with the new restrictions will face an on-the-spot fine of $1652 for individuals and $9913 for businesses.
Skate parks, playgrounds and outside gyms will also close tonight. Bootcamps are to be reduced to two people, including the trainer.
Victoria’s chief health medical officer professor Brett Sutton said the threat of COVID-19 to public was real and everyone needed to take social distancing seriously.
“Our message is clear – if you can stay home, you must stay home,” he said.
“Social distancing will save lives. Everyone needs to comply with restrictions in place to keep yourself, your loved ones and the whole community safe.
