Yesterday, the Premier announced a State of Disaster for Victoria, with tighter Stage 4 restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) across our communities.

How does this affect me? 

A curfew is now in place in metropolitan Melbourne from 8pm to 5am every evening. During this time, you’re only allowed to leave your home for work, essential health, care or safety reasons. 

If you have to go out during the day (5am to 8pm) for essential supplies or exercise, you must not travel more than 5km from where you live. If you’re going to the shops, only one person from your household is allowed to do so. Visit the DHHS coronavirus website for full details on these new restrictions.

Why do we need these new restrictions?

These are serious, although very necessary measures that follow continued new COVID-19 cases and deaths across Victoria. 

We know that many of you will be saddened and distressed by this news. We are too. But we’ve all got to do our part to protect our loved ones, essential workers and some of the most vulnerable people in Yarra – including our public housing residents, older people and people experiencing homelessness.

We’re still here for you

You can be assured that we’ll continue to deliver the essential services Yarra needs to keep moving. However, there are likely to be more impacts to our programs and services. We’ll know more following the Victorian Government’s announcements later today. 

These are tough times. Please be kind to each other, and check in on your friends, family and neighbours as often as you can. Stick to the rules – and wear a mask or face covering if you do have to go out for one of the permitted reasons.

Get the support you need

Remember that if you need support (like food packages, financial support or wellness tips), update on our services or information in your language, you can find everything on our Coronavirus Hub, or by calling us on 03 9205 5555.