We thought we were in the clear after this morning’s press conference hosted by health minister Martin Foley. But this afternoon Premier Daniel Andrews held a second press conference, to announce what we’d feared: Melbourne is going into lockdown for the sixth time, effective from 8pm this evening, Thursday August 5. This lockdown will last for seven days.

“This Delta variant moves so fast,” Andrews said. “There is no alternative.”

“We only get one chance to act fast,” he said, “and make difficult decisions that are the right decisions.”

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As in previous lockdowns, there are only five valid reasons to leave home: for food and essential supplies, to exercise for up to two hours a day (no more than five kilometres from your home), for care or caregiving, for work or education, or to get vaccinated at the nearest possible location.

“[It’s] all the same reasons, all the same rules that we are accustomed to,” the premier said.

If you have concerns about visiting businesses or public spaces, or questions about self-isolation, vaccination or coronavirus testing, check out the latest updates from the Department of Health and Human Services.