'Don't bank on it': Daniel Andrews issues HUGE blow to Melburnians desperate to leave three months of lockdown – as worrying school cluster threatens to derail easing of coronavirus restrictions
Daniel Andrews has issued a devastating blow to desperate Melburnians looking forward to finally escape the city's draconian lockdown.
The state recorded seven new cases on Saturday and no new deaths as the 14-day rolling average in the city finally hit five.
But a worrying cluster at an Islamic school has derailed hopes that the state is over the worst of its coronavirus disaster, which has killed 817 Victorians.
Then premier told residents not to get their 'hopes' up during his daily update on Saturday, warning that the school cluster could worsen and it will be risky to reopen too quickly.
There had been multiple reports that restrictions, including those keeping shops and businesses closed, could be eased as soon as Wednesday.
Premier Daniel Andrews issued a devastating blow to desperate Melburnians looking forward to getting out of strict lockdown
Women take photos on the beach shore of St. Kilda, observing the social distance rule by staying inside the circle that is specially drawn on October 17, as the city continues lockdown
'I just want to caution people from, if you like, banking that tomorrow I'm making a whole series of detailed announcements about opening up,' he said.
He warned against businesses and staff getting ahead of themselves before any official announcements are made.
'I have been abundantly clear, when I stand appear and make the announcement, that is when people can start planning for it,' he explained.
'Beyond that, think there is a risk of preempting whatever it is we are doing.
'No-one should be assuming I'm making announcements and what the nature of those announcements are until they are in fact made.'
He said more than 9,000 staff, students, family members and residents in the northern metropolitan area of Preston have been tested since Tuesday.
Healthcare workers are seen at the Goulburn Valley Health-Mcintosh Covid19 testing facility in Shepparton, Victoria, Thursday, October 15
Thanking all those going for frequent testing, Mr Andrews said that without further test results, there could be a further delay in easing restrictions.
Mr Andrews stressed that it was important for them to wait for the thousands of test results and see if there are any connections to current outbreaks.
'It also speaks directly to the fact that if that is the case, then opening up can see case numbers explode,' he continued.
'We have been in some respects in this position before and we have to do everything we can to avoid that.
'I'll make announcements tomorrow. I'll fully explain where it is we land but, with so many test results in the labs and others that will be done today, it's really important that we be guided by the data and the evidence and the science.'
Of the seven cases reported on Saturday, one is a student who attends East Preston Islamic College
Students and their family members, including staff from nearby Croxton School are also being urged to get tested
Of the seven cases reported on Saturday, one is a student who attends East Preston Islamic College.
The health department has urged families and staff to get tested, including those at nearby Croxton School, even if they do not have any symptoms.
Both schools will be closed for two weeks to undergo deep cleaning while all members get tested.
Victoria's Commander of Testing and Community Engagement Jeroen Weimar said they were working with faith leaders to send the message across to get tested.
'I am so grateful to our community leaders for working with us to keep people safe,' he said.
'I have held several sessions over the last two days to listen and act on the advice from leading community members.
'We are all Victorians working together to keep this virus away from our families.'
Health teams went around the suburbs where the cluster continues to grow and knocked on 90 homes to offer tested. About a third of people accepted being tested for COVID-19.
Just two people walk on a near-deserted street in Melbourne's normally busy CBD. The business executives called for a 'safe and staged' return to work in the city
A woman gets a hair cut at Joey Scandizzo Salon in South Yarra on Monday. Hairdressers have reopened, outdoor pools can host 30 swimmers, while real estate auctions can take place outdoors with up to 10 bidders
Mr Andrews eased some restrictions last Sunday, permitting hairdressers to reopen (pictured, a man visiting a barber on Monday after some lockdown measures were lifted)
The rise in cases comes after just one new case was recorded on Friday, helping to drive the rolling average down.
The state's death toll remains at 817 and the national figure 905, with only one death in the past week.
Retail and hospitality businesses were to remain closed until November 1, but it appears that may be brought forward by a week.
Residents of Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire have been trapped at home since the second lockdown began on July 9.
The city's second lockdown is currently in its 15th week, although Mr Andrews eased some restrictions last Sunday.
Under the new rules, groups of up to 10 people from two households can gather outdoors and tennis courts, skate parks and golf courses have started up.
Hairdressers have reopened, outdoor pools can host 30 swimmers, while real estate auctions can take place outdoors with up to 10 bidders.
But the changes aren't coming soon enough for some Melburnians, who fears the extended lockdown will reek havoc on the economy.
Wild scenes in the city on Friday saw anti-lockdown protesters clash with police.
Around 300 Melburnians turned out for the rally and walked through the streets chanting 'freedom' and calling for Andrews to be sacked. Many refused to wear face masks.
A total of sixteen people were arrested, 61 protesters were fined and 96 penalty notices were issued for a range of offences.
Three police officers were injured during the skirmishes, with one taken to hospital as a precaution.
VICTORIA'S PATHWAY OUT OF LOCKDOWN
The state government has mapped a new pathway out of lockdown for metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria that depends on stamping out COVID-19 cases in the community which have an unknown source.
METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE
STEP ONE: From 11:59pm Sunday October 18
* Two-hour outdoor time limit scrapped
* 5km travel restriction extended to 25km
* Outdoor gatherings up from five to 10
* Face-to-face allied health appointments to resume
* Tennis courts, golf courses and skate parks will reopen
* Outdoor swimming pools open to a maximum of 30 swimmers
* Hairdressers can reopen
* Outdoor real estate auctions permitted with up to 10 people, plus staff
STEP TWO: From 11:59pm on November 1:
* Up to two people, plus dependents, allowed to visit a home per day
* All retail shops can open
* Hospitality: maximum of 20 indoor seated customers (subject to one per four sqm), maximum of 50 outdoor patrons (subject to one per two sqm)
* Beauty and personal care services open
* Wedding groups of up to 10 permitted
* Up to 20 mourners allowed at funerals
* Outdoor religious gatherings and ceremonies capped at 20 people
MAJOR RESTRICTIONS REMAIN:
* Approved face masks must be worn at all times outside home
* Work from home if possible
* All businesses must have a COVID-safe plan