At least 10 people were arrested in Melbourne after demonstrating against Victoria’s lockdown, a possible violation of restrictions.
The group gathered in Flagstaff Gardens in the CBD on Saturday afternoon, the second day of the state lockdown.
Large numbers of police swarmed the area as protesters against lockdown and vaccination gathered.
In the footage aboveA woman can be seen being dragged away by the police after being filmed breathing on a camera crew.
“You can’t breathe in someone, that’s disgusting,” you can hear an officer say.
There was a large police presence at the scene. Photo credit: James Ross/.AAP
Victoria launched a seven-day lockdown on Friday after a group of COVID cases expanded.
There are only five reasons people can leave their home for five reasons – to buy groceries and essentials, to offer or receive care, exercise, work or study if they are unable to get vaccinated from home.
Victorian Health Secretary Martin Foley slammed the protesters in a press conference on Saturday.
“The virus doesn’t respond to protests,” he told reporters.
“There are five legal reasons to leave your home – protesting a virus is not going to work.
“And if you do that, you are breaking public health rules … and that comes with significant fines.”
At least 10 people were arrested in Melbourne after demonstrating against Victoria’s lockdown, a possible violation of restrictions. Credit: JAMES ROSS/.AAPIMAGE
Several protesters were arrested. Photo credit: James Ross/.AAP
Victoria Police said those who break the rules will be held accountable.
“The Victoria Police Department is confident that the vast majority of Victorians will do the right thing and comply with these restrictions so that we can all get back to normal as soon as possible,” a Victoria Police Department spokesman told 7NEWS.com.au in an explanation.
“However, those who choose to openly disobey the CHO’s instructions and endanger the health and safety of all Victorians can expect to be held accountable and fined.
“Tomorrow and in the coming week there will be a highly visible police presence in the Melbourne CBD, on the streets and throughout the public transport network to help the community comply with the instructions of the CHO.”
Protester gathered in Flagstaff Gardens in Melbourne. Photo credit: James Ross/.AAP
Protesters were seen without a mask. Photo credit: James Ross/.AAP
A travel limit of five kilometers was set for exercise and shopping, as well as the mandatory use of masks indoors and outdoors.
All non-essential retail stores will be closed, but important stores such as supermarkets, bottle stores and pharmacies will remain open. Shopping is limited to one person per day and household.
Cafes and restaurants can only offer take-away.
Childcare and children will remain open, but schools will be closed, with the exception of a small group of students.
The police are holding a protester. Photo credit: James Ross/.AAP
The lockdown ends on June 3rd at 11:59 p.m.
Victoria recorded five new cases of COVID on Saturday after more than 56,000 people came forward for testing.
There are now 45 active cases in the state.
– With AAP
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