ALL schools in Victoria will close from Tuesday amid the coronavirus pandemic – with other states expected to follow as Australia braces for a ‘complete shutdown’
All schools in Victoria will finish term one early as the deadly coronavirus continues to spread.
Premier Daniel Andrews has announced all schools in Victoria will shut down from Tuesday and will push for other states to follow suit at the National Cabinet on Sunday night.
‘This is not something that we do lightly, but it’s clear that if we don’t take this step, more Victorians will contract coronavirus, our hospitals will be overwhelmed and more Victorians will die,’ Mr Andrews said in a statement on Sunday.
‘Victorians will still be able to go to the supermarket, the bank, the pharmacy and other essential stores, like petrol stations and convenience stores.’
Freight, logisitics and home delivery were also considered essential and will remain open.
A decision whether to re-open schools after the term one holidays will be determined following advice from the Chief Health Officer.
‘I will have more to say on these measures tomorrow morning,’ Mr Andrews said.
The number of coronavirus cases in Victoria has risen to 296, after 67 people were confirmed as being infected on Saturday.
It comes as New South Wales undertakes a ‘comprehensive shutdown’ of non-essential services as the number of coronavirus cases in the state rises past 500.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian says supermarkets, petrol stations and pharmacies are among the businesses that will stay open.
Schools will remain open on Monday, although the premier is planning to make further announcements on education.
‘Tonight I will be informing the National Cabinet that NSW will proceed to a more comprehensive shutdown of non-essential services,’ Ms Berejiklian said on Sunday in a statement.
‘This will take place over the next 48 hours.’