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Victoria has reported 11 more deaths from Covid-19 and 76 additional diagnoses, as authorities hope to combat anti-lockdown demonstrations across the state.
Win Premier Daniel Andrews. Source: Getty
Today’s statistics bring the death toll in the state to 661 and the national count to 748.
Police are urging people to adhere to restrictions on community movement, as some groups present plans for demonstrations to protest against the measures.
Four men have been arrested and charged with inciting the Freedom Day rally planned for various locations in inner Melbourne, including the Shrine of Remembrance.
A pregnant woman from Ballarat also faces the same charge for a rally planned for the regional city.
The woman posted a video of herself handcuffed Wednesday and it went viral.
Police also warned about 80 people not to attend the Melbourne rallies as they enforce Victoria’s lockdown rules.
“The tinfoil hat brigade is alive and well in our community,” said Deputy Commissioner Luke Cornelius.
“They take every opportunity to take advantage of the current situation to serve up their own ridiculous notions about so-called ‘sovereign citizens’, about constitutional issues, and about how 5G is going to kill their grandchildren.”
Yesterday, Prime Minister Daniel Andrews backed police efforts to shut down any planned protest rallies as long as the closure rules remain in effect.
“You cannot ignore the reality that you find yourself in and give yourself permission and go and do something that, in all likelihood, will contribute to the spread of this [virus],” he said.
The prime minister is due to announce how and when Melbourne and regional Victoria will leave respective stages four and three tomorrow.
