A quick Covid lockdown for Victoria will reportedly be announced later today, 15th July, sources have claimed.
The Herald Sun and ABC reports that the final details of the state’s fifth lockdown are currently being worked out behind the scenes.
An announcement is expected to be made by Premier Daniel Andrews on Thursday afternoon.
Health department sources say the lockdown will be like previous others and will begin at midnight on Thursday.
It is unclear what the exact restrictions may be, but it is likely they will involve limited reasons to leave home and could last up to five days, the publications report.
Victorian pupils told to prepare for lockdown
School bells have just sounded across the state and many schools have told their students to take their things home tonight in anticipation of a return to remote learning.
Tina King, the acting president of the Australian Principals’ Federation, said schools were preparing for an imminent announcement.
“I’ve spoken to a few secondary principals, they are telling their kids, take your stuff home tonight just in case,” she said.
Four schools have already closed in the past two days and are preparing to switch to flexible learning on Monday.
Ms King said schools had plenty of practice in making a swift transition to remote learning and could potentially do so tomorrow.
“We’ve learnt how quickly we can do that transition,” she said.
South Australia has tightened its travel restrictions amid a growing COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria.
From midnight, essential travellers and South Australian residents entering the state from Greater Melbourne, Geelong or Bacchus Marsh will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
