By Mitchell Clarke
Cardinia Shire residents caught straying from their suburbs to exercise or shop will face a hefty fine of $1652 for breaching public health orders.
Premier Daniel Andrews re-issued yet another heartfelt plea for people in locked down areas to remain as close to home as possible.
“We will always try and provide clarity and advice but whenever you draw the line or make a ruling, there will always be some grey area,” he said.
“It is difficult to write a comprehensive rulebook for human behaviour. The best thing to do is err on the side of caution.
“If you have a question in your mind — should I be doing this — the answer almost certainly is no, you should not.”
A Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) spokesperson said that message hadn’t changed since the lockdown was re-implemented.
“The whole way through this, we’ve been very clear that Victorians must use their common sense and stay close to home,” the spokesperson said.
“Following the rules protects regional Victoria, our health system, and most of all the ones we love.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s work or study, care, shopping or exercise – under stage 3 restrictions in the past and now, you cannot travel further than you need to.”
Yet still the message isn’t getting through to some, with two carloads of people photographed attempting to walk the popular Mount Cannibal trail over the weekend – despite clear closure signs.
“There were four people in each car and they basically told me to F off,” a witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, said.
“They decided to walk the mountain regardless.”
The Premier urged people to stop trying to search for loopholes in the restrictions.
“Daily exercise is fine. A day trip where you are literally travelling 200km? No. That is not fine,” he said.
“If you can do it locally, please do it locally and if you don’t have to do it, then don’t.”
According to DHHS, people living in metropolitan Melbourne or the Mitchell Shire should exercise and use recreational facilities at the closest available location to their home.
– Can you visit a shopping centre in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire?
If you need to shop, try to shop locally. This will help support local businesses and help slow the spread of Covid-19 by limiting travel and reducing large numbers of people coming into contact with each other.
– My favourite coffee shop is a couple of suburbs over – can I go there?
No. You should not travel further than you need to.
– What personal services are open?
Hairdressers and barbers may continue to operate.
– Can I leave metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire to receive a personal service that is closed in my area?
No, you cannot leave metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire to receive a personal service that is open outside of these areas.
– Can I go to the supermarket?
Yes. However, you should keep visits to a minimum. Make a list of the things you need, shop quickly and minimise the time you spend there. Ideally, only one person from your household should go to the supermarket at each visit to minimise the numbers of people in the supermarket at any one time.
– Can I exercise with others?
You can exercise outdoors with people who normally live with you or with one other person outside your household. This includes taking a walk or walking the dog, yoga in the park, running, or bike riding. You and your exercise partner can also hire a personal trainer.
While exercising, you should keep at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others. You cannot exercise with another person in a manner than would mean you are less than 1.5m apart (e.g. in a double kayak).
– Can I participate in community sport?
No. You cannot participate in community sport if you live in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.
– My favourite walking track is on the other side of the city. Can I still go there?
No. You should not travel further than you need to and you should use the walking tracks closest to your home. Victorians must use common sense and consideration when it comes to their activities. Lives are counting on it.
– I live in Melbourne or Mitchell Shire. Can I undertake recreational activities like fishing?
Yes. If you live in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, you can leave home for permitted exercise and recreation activities that are outdoors and can be done by yourself, members of your household, or with one other person.
This includes, fishing, boating, surfing, recreational diving, learning to drive, or reading in a park. Exercise and recreational activities should be undertaken at the closest available locations to your home.
You must be able to maintain a 1.5 metre distance and no equipment should be shared.
You cannot leave metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire for exercise or recreational activities.
– Can I go horse-riding if I live in metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire?
Yes. You can go horse-riding with one other person, plus an instructor if required. You should not travel further than you need to and you should horse ride at the closest available location to your home.
You need to ensure that you keep a physical distance of 1.5 metres from others.
