Melbourne lockdown extended, curfew back

Melbourne’s lockdown has been extended by two weeks and a curfew reimposed, as the city teeters “on the brink” of losing control of its latest COVID-19 outbreak.

The harsher rules come after multiple rules breaches, including an illegal engagement party and pub crawls, and 22 cases confirmed on Monday.

Mr Andrews said he was particularly “angry and disappointed” to hear of an engagement party held last week by a prominent Jewish family in Melbourne’s southeast.

Three people, including a mother and son in St Kilda East, have tested positive for COVID-19 following the event.

“They are s***ty choices and they will keep us all locked down for longer than we should be,” Mr Andrews said, noting the vast majority of the Jewish community have been following restrictions.

“This is not an act of faith. This is not part of any cultural practice. This is just bad behaviour.”

AAP understands at least two medical professionals attended the event, while another works as a prison chaplain, although they haven’t conducted a visit since February.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said police expected to fine every adult attendee.

“That’s going to be over $350,000 worth of fines. That’s an expensive engagement party,” he said.

In a video, seen by AAP, dozens of unmasked people are gathered in what appears to be a private residence, listening to a man give a speech.

“Clearly this is legal as a group therapy session. That’s why my father’s here,” the man jokes.

Another party member adds: “He’s a mental health clinician.”

Read the article by Benita Kolovos and Callum Godde (AAP) in The West Australian.