Victoria’s health department has issued guidance on what stage four restrictions Melburnians may break when faced by an emergency, after the city was lashed by storms last night.
The extreme weather left three dead, tens of thousands without power, and 88 suburbs under orders to boil water because electrical damage at a water processing plant.
You can read the full guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services here, and it is summarised below.
Can I leave my home during an emergency?
You can leave your home in an emergency and to seek medical care. When leaving your house remember to wear a face mask or face covering, and keep 1.5 metres between you and other people.
If you require power for life support or a ventilator, or if you are not safe, you can travel to a friend or family member’s house who has power.
My house is unsafe and I am self-isolating because I have COVID-19 or I am close contact – what should I do?
You can leave home if your safety is at risk. Please contact the department for advice using the number you been provided before you do so or as soon as possible.
Can I leave home to get water if a boil water notice has been issued where I live?
Yarra Valley Water has issued a boil water notice for a number of suburbs. If you live in one of these suburbs and you are currently unable to boil water you can leave home to pick up or buy drinking water.
My home has been impacted by storm damage, can I get a tradesperson for repairs? Can I help others?
Tradespeople can visit your home for urgent and essential repairs in the wake of the storms.
You can also do emergency repairs for family members or friends if they are unable to do them themselves. You do not need a permit to travel in this instance.
You may also leave home to buy tools or materials to fix storm damage. Your purchases will need to be “click and collect” and bought online or by phone order. You can travel to your closest hardware shop or provider, even if it is beyond 5 km.
My home has been impacted by storm damage, am I allowed to stay in other accommodation until it is fixed?
Hotels, caravan parks and other accommodation services remain open to accommodate people who cannot stay in their own homes – this includes homes damaged by storms.
You may stay with family members if staying in your own home is a risk to your safety, but due to the risk of spreading coronavirus – it is not recommended.
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