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
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.