Victoria’s stage four lockdown stings but might be our best shot at avoiding a third wave

Victoria has returned to stage four lockdown as the cluster from the Holiday Inn quarantine hotel has continued to grow.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced the circuit-breaker lockdown on Friday afternoon, citing the threat posed by the “hyper-infectious” UK strain.

Victorians will again only be allowed to leave their homes for four reasons: to shop for necessary goods, to provide care, for essential work or permitted education, or for exercise. The controversial five-kilometre radius is also back in place, while masks will be compulsory everywhere outside the home.

This lockdown understandably comes as a significant blow to Victorians (myself included), after having endured a three-month lockdown during the second wave of COVID infections…