Victoria's first weekend since harsher social distancing laws were implemented will start with a ban on all but the most basic outdoor activities.
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After last weekend's images of Victorians flocking to beaches when they had been told to stay home, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton announced tighter restrictions on Thursday.
Urging Victorians to stay home and save lives, Prof Sutton declared all recreational activities beyond basic exercise were not allowed.
Fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and golf among other sports and hobbies will not be allowed during the pandemic.
"Hang up your rods, leave the tinnie in the driveway, and clean your clubs at home," he said on Thursday.
"These restrictions are tough, but they are there for a reason. If we don't do this, Victorians will die."
The announcement came after a day when Victoria registered its sixth death from the coronavirus.
A third cancer patient died at the Alfred Hospital on Thursday, bringing Australia's virus toll to 24.
Half of Victoria's coronavirus deaths were cancer patients in the same hospital ward.
The number of confirmed cases in Victoria has grown to more than 1000.
In preparation for an infection peak expected in late May or June, the state government has finalised a deal with major private hospitals.
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The private hospitals will be operating as one with the public sector, giving the public access to their 9000 beds, including 170 intensive care beds.
"It will not matter whether you have private health insurance, everyone will be treated equally," Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said.
The Victorian government announced on Thursday that all its MPs will donate the pay rise they will receive in the 2020-2021 financial year to COVID-19-related causes.
Australian Associated Press
