Victoria's State of Emergency Has Been Extended Until the End of January

Back in March 2020, Victoria implemented a State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a move it has extended monthly since. So, while originally due to expire at midnight on Monday, April 13, the State of Emergency has been prolonged every time it has approached its end date. And, although it's now 2021, it has just been extended again.

The state is currently working through its roadmap to ease out of lockdowns. That said, because things can change quickly where the coronavirus is concerned, the Victorian Government also recently implementing new restrictions in response to the most recent COVID-19 outbreak. Accordingly, extending the State of Emergency is hardly surprising news. It was prolonged from 11.59pm on Sunday, January 3, 2021, and now runs through until 11.59pm on Sunday, January 29, 2021 — although, of course, it could be continued again then.

The State of Emergency declaration allows the state's authorised officers to "act to eliminate or reduce a serious risk to public health" as directed by Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton. That means restricting movement, preventing entry to premises and venues, and detaining people — measures that have been in place for almost a year now as the state responds to the coronavirus.

Victoria had also been in a declared State of Disaster since the beginning of August, which gives police additional powers to ensure that Victorians are complying with public health directions — but that was allowed to lapse in November.

Fines continue to be handed out to folks who breach the restrictions — with the state's on-the-spot financial penalties spanning up to $4659 for individuals if you test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms and are awaiting test results, but fail to isolate at home. People who repeatedly break the rules can also be sent to the Magistrates Court and fined up to $20,000.

To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Victoria and how to protect yourself, head to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website.