Victoria faces first weekend in lockdown

Victoria's first weekend since harsher social distancing laws were implemented will start with a ban on all but the most basic outdoor activities.

After last weekend's images of Victorians flocking to beaches when they had been told to stay home, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton announced tighter restrictions on Thursday.

Urging Victorians to stay home and save lives, Prof Sutton declared all recreational activities beyond basic exercise were not allowed.

Fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and golf among other sports and hobbies will not be allowed during the pandemic.

"Hang up your rods, leave the tinnie in the driveway, and clean your clubs at home," he said on Thursday.

"These restrictions are tough, but they are there for a reason. If we don't do this, Victorians will die."

Premier Daniel Andrews today said taking part in leisure activites could risk someone's life.

"No recreational fishing trip, no trip to the golf course is worth someone's life and I know it's frustrating and I'm asking a lot of you not to do the things you love doing, but there are people you love as well," he said.

"There are so many in the community who will be at risk if we keep going on as usual, pretending this is not real.

"I thank those who are giving up so much. I am deeply grateful. I know it's a lot but it is making a massive difference."

The ban came after Victoria registered its sixth death from the coronavirus.

Half of Victoria's coronavirus deaths were cancer patients in the same hospital ward.

The number of confirmed cases in Victoria has grown to more than 1000.

In preparation for an infection peak expected in late May or June, the state government has finalised a deal with major private hospitals.

The private hospitals will be operating as one with the public sector, giving the public access to their 9000 beds, including 170 intensive care beds.

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