Coronavirus in Victoria: Planned protests 'not safe', according to Premier Daniel Andrews
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has strongly warned against planned COVID-19 restrictions protests that are planned for the weekend, including in Ballarat.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
On the eve of the premier's announcement about the "roadmap" out of current COVID-19 restrictions, there are a number of public protests planned throughout Victoria on Saturday.
Any planned protests would be breaking the law in Victoria under current restrictions.
One such protest was allegedly planned by a Ballarat woman, who made national headlines when she was arrested on Wednesday.
There has been graffiti spotted this week encouraging people to join in the protest in the Ballarat CBD on Saturday. The Courier has chosen not to publish the images.
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Speaking in his daily press conference on Friday, Mr Andrews strongly warned against any protests.
"It's not safe to protest, it's not smart to protest and it's not lawful to protest," he said.
"Ultimately no protest is safe at the moment.
"You can't give yourself a leave pass to do something, that will in all likelihood, contribute to the spread of this virus."
When asked about the case of the Ballarat woman arrested and charged, Mr Andrews said he would not comment on police operations.
It comes on a day when it was confirmed another 59 people lost their battle with COVID-19. Not all deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours - most were in July and August.
Another man in Melbourne filmed his own arrest today when police raided his home for allegedly planning a protest.
"I'm not in the business of criticising police, I'm in the business of supporting their work," Mr Andrews said.
"They have my full support in ensuring the law is continued to be upheld.
"Contrary to the views of some, no-one enjoys imposing these rules."
There are now just three active cases in the city, according to Mr Andrews, down from four yesterday.
There were six active cases at the start of the week, with that number dropping gradually since.
There has not been a new case confirmed in the city for 11 days.
In comparison, there are 38 active cases in Geelong and seven in Bendigo.
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