What stage four lockdown could look like in Victoria

Victorians fear tougher lockdowns are on the way, and today the state government foreshadowed potential stage four restrictions that would pinpoint cluster neighbourhoods.

Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said "all options are on the table" when it comes to fighting the second wave which is beginning to impact the state's hospitals.

Prof. Sutton said "any consideration about what stage four might look like" would be based on epidemiology and hinted that the government could target specific neighbourhoods and post codes.

"If we're seeing a focus in a particular setting, in a particular cohort of people, in relation to particular activities, that would be the focus of a stage four restriction," he said.

Mandatory face mask wearing "shouldn't be off the table", Prof. Sutton said.

Currently Melburnians are being urged to wear masks in public if they cannot socially distance.

"I'm cognisant that not everyone can buy a cloth mask," Prof. Sutton said.

"But you know, it's a risk not to have them, especially with the level of transmission that's happening in Melbourne.

READ MORE: PM hints wearing face masks in public is next virus strategy

"I'm aware that there are people who may not easily have access to [a mask] so I wouldn't like to see an enforcement model where people are unfairly penalised when they can't actually access one yet."

He rejected suggestions that Victorian teachers should be made to wear masks, saying the blocking of facial expressions would impact the teaching environment.

Addressing growing fears Victoria could be headed for stage four lockdowns, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said ramping up restrictions should be avoided, if possible.

"We know this level has enormous human and economic consequences," Mr Hunt said.

"Higher levels of lockdown wolud mean even great hardships for individuals, mental health, social isolation [and] the elderly who would be isolated. That is an immensely difficult thing, so our goal is to avoid that."

He said people should be "cautious" about "rumours" of a stage four lockdown.

As yet, there are no definitive guidelines or details on what stage four restrictions could look like.

But these are the kind of stage four restrictions seen in other countries, such as New Zealand and Italy.

Possible Victoria stage four restrictions:

• All businesses closed, except for essential services such as supermarkets, pharmacies and clinics.
• Travel severely limited, with few reasons for leaving your home.
• All educational facilities closed, including schools and universities.
• A major reprioritisation of health services, meaning at least the cessation of elective surgeries and non-urgent dental procedures.
• People advised to wear face masks in public, including compulsory masks if using public transport.
• Citizens to carry a document citing the reason for venturing away from their home, as enforced by Italy.

Contact: msaunoko@nine.com.au

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