What you need to know about Victoria's extended lockdown

Victoria's lockdown has been extended for seven days as the state races to crush its coronavirus outbreak.

Premier Daniel Andrews today announced the lockdown would end on Tuesday, July 27 at 11.59pm, seven days after its original end date of midnight tonight.

Here's everything you need to know about the state's pathway out of lockdown.

READ MORE: Victoria records nine new cases of COVID-19

Why has the lockdown been extended?

The premier said the state had no choice but to extend the lockdown due to climbing case numbers in outbreaks yet to be brought under control.

While the state was making "promising" progress and "the trend was good", the premier said it was not possible to leave the Delta outbreak "smouldering".

"As promising as our progress has been, avoiding a New South Wales-style long, lengthy, very challenging lockdown, where you just lose control of cases, we have avoided that - but, we need more time," Mr Andrews said.

The number of alerts for exposure sites has also ballooned out to more than 300, meaning there may be virus transmission still going undetected in the community.

There are currently around 18,000 close contacts.

Mr Andrews has repeatedly emphasised he did not want to risk ending the lockdown sooner, only to have case numbers explode like in Sydney.

The state faced a choice of either a "short lockdown or one that's much, much longer".

"We can't run the risk that there are cases out there that we don't know about," Mr Andrews said.

"There are chains of transmission that are not yet contained that we don't know about and if we would open up we would see how quickly this runs.

"We see how challenging this can become in a very short space of time. We need to avoid what is going on in Sydney at the moment."

READ MORE: Victoria's exposure sites surge past 300 alerts

What will it take for the lockdown to end?

The lockdown is due to end in seven days' time, but ultimately it will not end until the state has driven community transmission down to zero.

Factors such as whether cases were already in isolation when detected, the number of exposure sites, close contacts and mystery cases, will also play a part in whether the state will exit lockdown.

Victoria's Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said health authorities needed to be "across each and every infectious case in the outbreak".

"It is too early today to lift restrictions," he said.

What restrictions remain in place?

The current restrictions will remain in place until the lockdown ends.

But there will be some minor changes, with students at special developmental schools or kids with special needs able to return to classrooms.

Mr Andrews also flagged there will be some changes to outdoor work.

Victoria has also introduced a hard border with NSW red zones, with Victorians now requiring to apply for an exemption to return to the state.

READ MORE: State-by-state guide to border restrictions and lockdowns

What are the reasons I can leave my home?

There are five reasons to leave your home:

• You can leave home to get food and supplies
• Exercise for up to two hours no more than five kilometres from your home
• You can leave home for care or caregiving
• You can leave home for work or education if you can't do it from home
• You can leave home to get vaccinated

What are the mask rules?

Face masks must be worn indoors and outdoors at all times in public.

Are schools closed?

Early learning centres, childcare and family day care remain open.

But there will be remote learning for most students.

Schools remain open for vulnerable children and children of essential workers. Special needs students will also be able to return to classrooms.

Higher education and training are remote learning only.

How many people can I have at my home?

Private gatherings and public gatherings are not permitted.

Can my partner visit me?

Intimate partner visits and a singles bubble, as per previous lockdowns, are permitted.

Can I exercise?

You can exercise for up to two hours a day with one other person or member of your household but there is a travel limit of five kilometres from your place of residence.

READ MORE: How to claim the COVID-19 Disaster Payment

How many people are allowed at funerals?

Funerals, indoor and outdoor, are permitted with no more than 10 people and those necessary to conduct the funeral. Children under 12 months old are not counted towards the cap.

Are hairdressers and beauty businesses closed?

All hairdressers and personal or beauty care businesses will be closed throughout the lockdown.

READ MORE: Victoria clamps down on 'red zone permits' with NSW border

Are hospitality venues allowed to open?

All hospitality venues are closed, except for takeaway.

What about retail?

Essential retail like supermarkets can remain open but must adhere to the one person per four-square-metre rule. Non-essential retail is only available for contactless click and collect.

Is moving house permitted?

Yes, you are able to move house if you had already arranged to move.