Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has extended the State of Emergency and State of Disaster until 11.59pm on November 8.
The premier announced that he had signed the paperwork at a press conference on Sunday.
“That is simply to make sure that we’ve got that legal framework in place in order to continue to have rules, to drive these numbers down even further,” Andrews told reporters.
“That’s simply a four-week extension.
“No one should read anything more into that in terms of it being key dates for shifts in rules.”
Andrews said the extension was “the most appropriate way to go” and follows “detailed” public health advice.
“There will be a time where we do not need to extend these things and I look forward to that day,” he added.
State of Emergency explained
Victoria has already been under a State of Emergency since March 16.
The State of Emergency is the “legal instrument” that allows for rules to be made including mandatory face masks, rules about COVIDSafe work plans, density limits in pubs and cafes or a person with the virus needing to isolate at home.
State of Disaster explained
Victoria entered a State of Disaster on August 2, which coincided with Stage 4 restrictions being introduced.
It was brought in on top of the State of Emergency, with both able to operate together.
The State of Disaster allows police to use additional powers to make sure people are complying with public health directions and means various acts of parliament can be suspended.