Coronavirus Melbourne: Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews Detained by Police

Victoria’s police force is so thorough in checking Melbourne residents’ movements that officers even detained the state’s prime minister this morning.

Daniel Andrews said he was stopped by officers who were checking that motorists were not violating the 5 km travel limit as part of the strict city lockdown.

In the past 24 hours, Victoria reported 76 new coronavirus infections and 11 deaths. That’s down from 81 cases on Friday. Of those deaths, five occurred on Friday and the rest before, but are only now counted in the daily figures.

Tomorrow, the Victorian government is ready to explain its roadmap outside the restrictions of stage 4. The strict curfew and lockdowns were due to end on September 13, but are expected to extend for several more weeks.

At Saturday’s press conference, Andrews was asked a question about reports that some police officers were covering their dog tags and badges so that they could not be identified in today’s anti-lockdown protests.

Andrews said he was not aware of that happening. It was then that the Prime Minister revealed his own run-in with the law.

“My vehicle was stopped on the way to the office this morning and the officer was clearly identifiable,” he said.

“And I thanked him for the work he and his colleagues were doing.”

Since August 2, Melburnians have not been able to venture further than 3 miles from their homes for one of the four permitted outdoor activities, including shopping for essentials, exercising and caring for others.

The Premier would be exempt from the 5km rule, but the hundreds of people who gathered in Albert Park and other areas of the city today to protest the stage 4 restrictions certainly would not.

Several dramatic arrests took place at the Shrine of Remembrance.

A woman was taken to Melbourne West Police Station, while an unmasked man, who repeatedly called police “Nazi dogs”, was arrested at the Sanctuary on Saturday morning.

The prime minister criticized the anti-blockade protesters, calling their behavior “absolutely selfish.”

“It’s not safe, it’s not smart, it’s not law. In fact, it’s absolutely selfish that people are protesting,” Daniel Andrews told reporters this morning.

In a statement issued this morning, Victoria police said it is “very clear” under the Melbourne stage 4 restrictions “that people cannot leave their homes to protest.”

“Participating in this proposed protest would be a gross and flagrant violation of the Health Director’s instructions and would endanger the health of the entire community.

“We will have a strong and visible presence in and around the CBD.

“We are very well prepared to respond, and those who are considering protesting still in the city can expect a quick and firm response from the police.”

“We do not hesitate to impose fines of $ 1,652 on anyone who openly violates the restrictions, as well as to make arrests if necessary.”