While other states in the country appear to be flattening the COVID-19 curve and heading back to normal, Victoria has unfortunately regressed forcing Premier Daniel Andrews to roll out Stage 4 restrictions. The new measures took effect across metropolitan Melbourne local government areas on 6 pm Sunday 2, August. Meanwhile, the Mitchell Shire local government area has been placed into Stage 3 lockdown restrictions. The restrictions are in force for six weeks, ending on September 13, 2020.
Stage 4 restrictions: what do they mean?
As the implemented measures only allow people to leave their homes for essential work, shopping and exercise – all with their own new strict time limits – this will grossly affect the amount of walk-in traffic over the next six weeks. Some of these limitations now include:
- A curfew from 8 pm to 5 am is now in action. You may only leave your house outside of these hours if it is for essential work, medical care and caregiving
- Where you slept on Sunday night – August 2nd from 6 pm – is where you must stay for the entire six weeks. There are exemptions for partners who live apart from one another, as well as for work
- Public transport services will be decreased, as well as the suspension of the Night Network. PSOs will be redeployed across enforcements measures instead
- Exercise is now limited to one hour a day maximum, no more than five kilometres from your home. You cannot exercise in groups of more than two
- Shopping is limited to one person a day from each house. You must stay within five kilometres from your home when shopping. Some exemptions apply for regions where supermarkets are not conveniently located
- Schools, TAFE and universities will go to remote learning only
- Weddings are now banned
- Face masks and coverings are now mandatory across all of Victori
- Cafes, bars and restaurants will revert to takeaway only
For more information on the official restriction measures, please visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.
So how this will affect selling or renting your home during COVID-19?
As for what this means around selling and renting your home during COVID-19 lockdowns, there are some things to consider. As the COVID-19 commercial leasing principles remain in place and coupled with their own financial struggles, tenants will undoubtedly continue to seek rental assistance through their landlords where needed. In these instances, we will be in contact to discuss details on a case-by-case basis.
Whilst we hoped this was a road that we would not have to travel again, we find ourselves with little option but to help each other ride the COVID-19 wave, until things inevitably start to settle. This too shall pass.
Should you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact the Neilson Partners team.
