Coronavirus: Victoria enters ‘state of disaster’ as Daniel Andrews announces 671 new cases and seven deaths

Victoria has declared a ‘state of disaster’ as Premier Daniel Andrews announced 671 new cases of coronavirus overnight, with seven more deaths recorded in the state.

Mr Andrews confirmed the deaths today, taking Victoria’s toll to 123 — the national toll now sits at 208.

It comes as the Victorian Government announced new restrictions to comes into place.

The new Stage Four measures will be in force from 6pm tonight and run until September 13.

Mr Andrews said the restrictions were necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“I’m not prepared to accept that or accept days and days and days of hundreds of cases and more and more death,” he said in his press conference today.

Metropolitan Melbourne will have a curfew in place from 8pm AEST tonight.

“The only reason to be out of your home between the hours of 8pm and 5am is to get care, to give care, or to go to and from work or be at work,” Mr Andrews said.

“We can no longer have people visiting others. We can no longer have people simply out and about for no good reason whatsoever.”

“Where you slept last night is where you’ll need to stay for the next six weeks. There’ll be exemptions for partners who live apart and for work, if required.”

Only one person from each household will be permitted to go shopping and they will not be able to travel further than 5km from their home.

Exercise must also take place within that 5km radius and is only permitted for one hour.

“It’s a jog. It’s a walk. It’s in your local neighbourhood,” Mr Andrews said.

“It is staying close to home or in your home and there will no longer be able to be in groups any bigger than two, regardless of whether they’re from your family or someone else.”

Weddings in Melbourne will be banned from Thursday.

Regional Victoria will enter Stage Three restrictions, with the Premier saying the order is to stay home “except for the four reasons for leaving”.