Coronavirus: Australia: Protestors hit Melbourne, Victoria as another week-long lockdown begins  

Thousands of mask-less anti-lockdown protesters hit the streets of Melbourne demanding Dan Andrews be SACKED as they set off flares and chant ‘FREEDOM’

  • Victoria started its sixth lockdown 8pm on Thursday after mystery Covid cases 
  • But thousands took to Melbourne’s streets as the stay-at-home orders began
  • Dan Andrews said he had no choice but to bring in the tough, week-long rules

Swarms of mask-less protestors have hit Melbourne’s CBD as Victoria’s sixth lockdown came into effect at 8pm.

Around 2,000 people met at Flinders Street Station earlier in the evening to march across the city in protest at the new lockdown restrictions.

Crowds were heard chanting ‘no more lockdowns’ as flares were set off in the street.

Police were seen clashing with some protesters and making at least one arrest, as furious marchers said the gruelling restrictions were ruining lives. 

The new restrictions come just nine days after Victorians were released from the previous lockdown.  

Around 2,000 protesters swarmed Melbourne (pictured on Thursday night) to protest the new lockdown

Anti-lockdown protesters descended on the CBD and were heard chanting for Dan Andrews to be sacked

Anti-lockdown protesters descended on the CBD and were heard chanting for Dan Andrews to be sacked

Premier Daniel Andrews said there was ‘no alternative’ because the Indian Delta strain of coronavirus is so contagious.

‘None of us want to be in a situation where we have to lockdown again but the Delta variant moves so fast,’ he said. 

‘There are no alternatives to lockdown. If you wait, it will spread. And once it spreads, you can never even hope to run alongside it.

‘I would prefer we didn’t have to make this decision now. But my fear is if we were to wait a few days there is every chance instead of being locked down for a week, this gets away from us.’ 

Residents are only allowed to leave home for exercise, essential shopping, care-giving, essential work and getting vaccinated. 

More to follow. 

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VICTORIA’S NEW LOCKDOWN

 – The lockdown is scheduled to run from Thursday August 5 at 8pm for seven days 

– There will be only five lawful reasons to leave home

1. Essential shopping

2. Two hours of daily exercise within a 5km radius

3. To seek or provide medical care 

4. Work or study that cannot be done from home.

5. To go and get vaccinated. 

– Face masks will be mandatory indoors and outdoors

– Schools will return to online learning 

– 5km travel limit for essential tasks, including shopping and exercise

– If your business was closed during the last lockdown, they must close this lockdown

– Hospitality open for takeaway only

– General retail is closed, as well as all non-essential businesses 

– Visitors to the home are banned

– Funerals capped at ten people, while weddings are banned

– Professional sport can proceed but with no crowds 

– Outdoor parks and play areas are open, but those indoors must close 

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk