COVID-19: Victorian 7 day lockdown from Midnight 27 May, 2021

At a press conference after 11:00 am today in Melbourne, Acting Premier of Victoria, James Merlino, announced a 7 day lockdown for Victoria.

The lockdown comes into play from Midnight tonight (Wednesday 27 May), and will last for a minimum of 7 days.

Restrictions during the lockdown include:

• Masks to be worn everywhere except at home
• No public gatherings
• Restaurants pubs and cafes – takeaway only
• Childcare will remain open
• Approved sporting events to proceed without crowds
• Schools move to remote learning with some exemptions
• Casino, pubs, and clubs – closed

What you can do

Face masks now required everywhere outside of the home.

There are only 5 reasons for Victorians to leave home:

• care and care giving
• exercise,
• authorised work
• groceries
• getting vaccinated

Exercise and shopping will be limited to five kilometres from home. Acting Premier James Merlino says as of this morning, 10,000 close and primary contacts have been identified as part of the current outbreak.

Other state restrictions

Expect states to roll out additional travel restrictions in reaction to this ‘circuit breaker’ lock-down of Victoria. Check each states guidelines, and check again before you travel:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Western Australia

Airlines

Qantas has cancelled 15 Melbourne associated flights with more to come, and Virgin Australia has cancelled about 10. Rex and Jetstar are still reviewing their schedules.

International flights will continue for the moment.

2PAXfly Takeout

The aviation industry has a difficult road ahead when it comes to sustainability. It’s going to require a relative revolution in technology, with ‘electric planes’ or hydrogen planes, or some form of jet engine that doesn’t require a carbon based fuel. And that is going to require the development of an alternative to jet engines probably.

It’s a big ask. It will take time to develop.

This move to home grown and manufactured SAF is a first step – maybe even a baby step in a very long road of innovation. In the long run, US$200 million won’t even touch the sides.