A state of disaster has been declared in the Australian state of Victoria after a rise in coronavirus cases.
Sweeping new restrictions will come into force in Melbourne from tonight which will see an evening curfew implemented from 8pm to 5am.
Those living in the city only allowed to shop and exercise within 5km of their homes, with exercise limited to one hour per day and only one person per household allowed to shop.
Gatherings of no more than two people are allowed, while all students across the state returning to home-based learning.
State premier Daniel Andrews said the state of disaster proclamation gave police greater powers.
Mr Andrews said 671 new coronavirus cases had been detected since Saturday, as well as seven deaths.
Less severe restrictions will be reimposed across the rest of the state of Victoria from Wednesday but will include the closing of schools and childcare settings.
Statement on Melbourne moving to Stage 4 restrictions: pic.twitter.com/mFu1Kr1NO0
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) August 2, 2020
Writing on his facebook page Mr Andrews said: "Basically 'staying at home' needs to mean exactly that. No loopholes. No excuses."
The state of disaster has been declared after a steady rise in both deaths and infections over the past six weeks in Victoria.
The deaths in the state took Australia's fatalities to 208.
The measures in Victoria comes as India's coronavirus caseload crossed 1.75 million with another spike of 54,735 in the past 24 hours.
Reporting by IRN
