Tate Papworth
A number of suburbs across Brimbank have spent their first day in reimposed lockdown in a bid to stop a second wave of COVID-19 in Victorian hot spots.
Police flooded Brimbank postcodes 3038, 3012, 3042 and 3021 as officers set up checkpoints at high traffic areas to ensure people had a valid reason for leaving closed suburbs.
Mounted police and foot patrols were also highly visible throughout the day.
Residents within these postcodes have been ordered to stay at home unless they are shopping for food and supplies, out for medical care and caregiving, exercise and study or work.
On-the-spot fines will be issued for anyone outside for any other reason.
Cafes and restaurants are only open for take-away and delivery services and a number of council facilities and services have been forced back into closure.
The council is temporarily closing facilities such as libraries, neighbourhood houses, playgrounds,skate parks,outdoor exercise equipment areas and barbecue facilities within these suburbs.
It comes as nine new cases were recorded in Brimbank over the past 24 hours, taking the municipality’s total to 142.
There currently 49 active cases in Brimbank.
Five of the new cases are linked to Albanvale Primary School – three students, a teacher and a close contact – bringing the total to 14.
Victoria’s chief health officer Brett Sutton urged the community to abide by the rules and to get tested.
“Victorians in these locked down suburbs are being urged to do their bit in the fight against coronavirus – stick to the rules and get to a testing station,” professor Sutton said.
“This virus is not selective, it will impact anyone it encounters, and personal contact is the clear source of its transmission.
“There is no excuse for not getting tested. We have people knocking on your door, coming to your neighbourhood – we are bringing the testing to you. There are also several drive-through and fixed sites where people can go.”
