14 SEPT VIC
7 deaths, 35 cases as Victoria edges closer to freedom
https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-australia-live-updates-september-14/0856242c-129e-40c2-abd6-992bed89b840#post=8c06e75c-6443-49b8-8aa3-b016bb56ccb4
Metro-rolling 14-day average falls to 54.4 daily cases
Australia sees lowest one-day rise in coronavirus cases in almost 3 months
WE CAN SEE AT LIGHT AT THE END OF A VERY LONG STRAIGHT TUNNEL
Vic lockdown restrictions ease
Restaurants, cafes are not deemed 'high risk settings': Andrews
Victorian Government announces cash grants for business impacted by coronavirus lockdown, with focus on outdoor dining
Iconic Summer sport competitions threatened by Melbourne lockdown
Long recovery ahead for Victoria's Great Ocean Road as Cape Otway Lightstation attraction calls it quits
BREACHES
Why people get angry at coronavirus rule-breakers and want to call the police
<< MY OPINION, FOR WHAT ITS WORTH , people who thumb their noses at the rules everyone else is following ( and making sacrifices for the greater good ) are selfish and don't care about YOU , so dob them in , make sure it's done anominously ( let them guess who dobbed them in ) . You don't own them any favours.
Police arrest 74 'aggressive and violent' protesters in Melbourne
7 deaths, 35 cases as Victoria edges closer to freedom
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/seven-deaths-35-cases-as-victoria-edges-closer-to-freedom/ar-BB18ZSv1?ocid=msedgdhpVictoria has reported 35 coronavirus cases and seven deaths as the state continues to move down the roadmap out of lockdown.
Today's new case numbers are the lowest in Victoria in almost 12 weeks.
"Our thoughts go out to all those affected," Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement.
Australia's death toll now sits at 817, with 730 of those fatalities in Victoria.
The 35 daily infections are the lowest since June 25, when Victoria recorded 28 near the start of the second wave.
After six weeks of tough stage four coronavirus lockdowns, Melburnians are waking up this morning to some small freedoms.
Children can now go back to playgrounds and people are allowed out of their homes for an extra hour each day.
99 mystery cases in Victoria greatest threat to easing restrictions,Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth has warned that the 99 mystery coronavirus cases in Melbourne are the greatest threat to restrictions easing.
He told Today he hoped to see the number reduced to single digits in coming weeks.
"They will need to head down into something that is clearly manageable, as it is in NSW," Dr Coatsworth said.
From today people living alone can welcome a visitor and visit other households as part of a social bubble.
Two people can also meet outdoors for recreation.
Speaking on Today, Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth said "it won't be long now" for restrictions to ease in Victoria.
"The light at the end of the tunnel is getting bigger every day," he said.
"It is a conservative roadmap but it shows a way out."
Premier Daniel Andrews is scheduled to speak with media later today.
Victoria yesterday reported 41 new cases and seven deaths.
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton is confident the state's 14-day average will be between 30 to 50 by September 28.
If successful, this level would activate the threshold for the second step of easing restrictions.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-australia-live-updates-september-14/0856242c-129e-40c2-abd6-992bed89b840#post=8c06e75c-6443-49b8-8aa3-b016bb56ccb4
Metro-rolling 14-day average falls to 54.4 daily cases
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/metro-rolling-14-day-average-falls-to-54-4-daily-cases/vi-BB18ZY9N?ocid=msedgdhpVic. Premier Andrews says he wants to be sure the state will not have to lock down once again before opening up the state's economy.
Australia sees lowest one-day rise in coronavirus cases in almost 3 months
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/world/australia-s-covid-19-hotspot-reports-lowest-one-day-rise-in-cases-in-nearly-three-months/ar-BB18ZOjL?ocid=msedgdhpAustralia reported its lowest one-day rise in novel coronavirus infections in nearly three months on Monday as authorities began to ease restrictions aimed at slowing its spread.
Thirty-nine people were found to be infected with the virus in the past 24 hours, the lowest one-day increase in new cases since June 26, when 37 infections were detected.
With dwindling numbers of new infections, the epicentre of Australia's latest outbreak, Victoria state, has begun easing restrictions, allowing people to leave their homes for longer periods for exercise and shortening a curfew at night.
Still, frustrations are high, with hundreds of people taking part in protests on the weekend against the weeks-long coronavirus lockdown. Authorities urged patience.
Brett Sutton, Victoria's chief health officer, likened the cautious easing of restrictions to "baby steps".
"We can't have short-term memories on this," Sutton told reporters in Melbourne, referring to the virus.
"It starts with small numbers and it explodes."
Australia's second largest city was placed under strict lockdown in early August after more than 700 cases were detected in Victoria state in a single day.
In Queensland state, which has effectively eradicated the virus, authorities are under pressure as they decline to open its borders to other areas that are also free of infections.
With families separated, even for funerals, the state's chief health officer is under police guard after getting death threats.
Australia's most populous state, New South Wales, was the only other to report any new cases with four in the past 24 hours. All but one of the cases was in quarantine after returning from overseas, though officials warned against complacency.
Australia has recorded a total of 27,000 novel coronavirus infections and 817 deaths.
WE CAN SEE AT LIGHT AT THE END OF A VERY LONG STRAIGHT TUNNEL
Vic lockdown restrictions ease
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/victoria-s-lockdown-restrictions-ease/ar-BB18ZsmP?ocid=msedgdhpRegional Victoria moved down to stage three restrictions as of midnight, meaning they are now allowed to socialised outdoors in groups of up to five people from a maximum of two households.
While Melbourne residents also get some relief from stage four measures as of today, with the increase of allowable daily exercise up from one hour to two, with socialising also permitted during this time.
Playgrounds will reopen with children allowed to use the equipment for up to two hours each day as part of the minor easing of restrictions.
Single people living alone or with only their dependent children will be permitted to form "singles bubbles" with one other person and Melbourne's curfew will move from a start time of 8pm to 9pm.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday flagged the possibility of swiftly lifting restrictions further for the regions, with the state set to reach the necessary case numbers around the middle of this week.
The regions recorded zero new cases of transmission yesterday, with a 14-day daily case average of 4.1.
"I hope that people in Melbourne are looking to what is occurring in regional Victoria as proof-positive – not a model, not a theory, but the actual delivery of this plan," Premier Daniel Andrews said yesterday of the government's roadmap out of lockdown.
"This strategy is delivering low numbers and keeping them low and it is at that point that you can open with real confidence that having got the numbers low, we can you keep the numbers low.
"That is what we will deliver in regional Victoria and right across metropolitan Melbourne – not bouncing in and out of lockdowns, but making sure that everything that Victorians have given counts for something."
The next step in the government's roadmap allows residents to leave home for any reason, with no restrictions on distance travelled.
Public gatherings outdoors of up to 10 people are also permitted, as well as "household bubbles" of up to five visitors from one other nominated household.
It remains "highly unlikely" Melbourne will meet the necessary criteria to allow businesses to reopen before the scheduled date of October 26.
Under the government's roadmap, the 14-day average of daily COVID-19 cases needs to be less than five cases before businesses like hairdressers and outdoor dining can reopen.
Once this target is met, the curfew will no longer apply, there will be no restrictions on leaving home and public gatherings outside will increase to 10 people.
The premier said it was "highly unlikely we will meet those case number thresholds" before the scheduled date.
"It is not just about numbers, but about the passage of time," he said.
"The passage of time is, I know, very painful and very challenging for businesses and for families, but in terms of taking safe steps, it is a positive thing."
Restaurants, cafes are not deemed 'high risk settings': Andrews
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/restaurants-cafes-are-not-high-risk-settings-andrews/ar-BB19038Y?ocid=msedgdhpPremier Daniel Andrews has admitted restaurants and pubs are not “high risk” settings but insists they need to remain closed while the coronavirus is still present in the community.
“They are closed because it would only mean more virus if we allowed their customers, many hundreds of thousands, indeed millions of people, to freely move around metro Melbourne,” he said.
When questioned as to whether there was evidence of higher infection levels when hospitality venues were open, Mr Andrews said there was actually a greater risk of transmission while dining “at a mate’s place”.
“There is no time limit, there is no waiter making sure we keep our distance. There is not necessarily all the kind of infection control, cleaning tables, cleaning common areas, all of those things,” he said.
“Our publicans, our cafes, restaurants and others have done a fantastic job and I am confident they will when we open up.”
Victorian Government announces cash grants for business impacted by coronavirus lockdown, with focus on outdoor dining
https://www.msn.com/en-au/money/markets/victorian-government-announces-funds-for-business-impacted-by-coronavirus-lockdown-with-focus-on-outdoor-dining/ar-BB19038q?ocid=msedgdhpThe Victorian Government has promised another $290 million to help struggling businesses survive lockdown and implement an outdoor dining culture that will be enjoyed "for many summers" to come.
The package, aimed at helping business "reimagine" its operations and helping Melbourne host a New York-inspired dining and culture revival, is on top of yesterday's $3 billion support fund for business.
Today's announcement includes $100 million for sole traders who will be closed or restricted under the second step of Victoria's roadmap to reopening.
The money is expected to go to around 33,000 sole traders across the state, who will be eligible for grants of $3,000 to help pay overheads.
Another $100 million will go to a Melbourne city recovery fund to help businesses set up outdoors, convert rooftops and courtyards, and fund COVID-safe events to encourage people to return to the CBD over summer.
It will be jointly funded by the State Government and the City of Melbourne.
Industry Support and Recovery Minister Martin Pakula said it would "utterly transform the city, and not just for this summer".
"It will be something that I think Victorians will love and appreciate and it will create a new alfresco environment for CBD dining which will, I suspect, be enjoyed for many summers hence," he said.
There will also be an $87.5 million outdoor hospitality package for businesses outside the CBD with a payroll under $3 million, which will be paid in grants of up to $5,000 to cover the cost of umbrellas, outdoor furniture and screens to separate diners.
$30 million will go to local councils to streamline the new permits which will be required to expand outdoor hospitality. Some of that money can be passed on to businesses in the form of reduced or waived permit fees.
Dining in streets, parks and gardens on the cards
Premier Daniel Andrews said embracing more outdoor dining would "change the way the city operates". It could prove so popular, it becomes "a lasting feature" of hospitality in Victoria, from the city to the suburbs and the regions.
"There needs to be some urgency with this," he said. "We don't want bureaucratic delays. We don't want arguments and debates. We want as many people seated in as quick a time as possible, utilising public space that has never been on offer previously.
"We are going to see more and more tables on footpaths. Some of that foot traffic may move to the kerbside parking area where kerbside parking would no longer be allowed."
He said some streets and laneways were likely to be closed, parks and gardens near restaurants could be transformed and shared areas could be created between different businesses.
Opposition spokesman David Davis said the Government's business support was "too little, too late".
"What we need is for businesses to be opened with proper safety regimes, proper rules in place," he said.
Mr Andrews said decisions were still being made around the rules for hospitality, including whether perspex screens between tables would be mandated and what the density limits and spacing requirements would be.
But with regional Victoria expected to move to the third step as early as this week, thereby allowing hospitality venues to again offer table service, he said those decisions would be announced "quite soon".
"Then that will, at least in part, inform where we land in metropolitan Melbourne," Mr Andrews said.
The Premier said once coronavirus numbers were low enough, he believed hospitality venues could operate safely.
"We are often at our greatest risk when we're at a mate's place having dinner because there is no time limit, there is no waiter making sure we keep our distance, there is not necessarily all the kind of infection control, cleaning tables, cleaning common areas," he said.
Business fears effects of cuts to JobKeeper
Business and industry groups have been lobbying hard for more government assistance to survive lockdown.
The Government said Sunday's $3 billion package — which includes grants of up to $20,000 and tax breaks — was the largest business support fund in the state's history.
It was welcomed by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which previously criticised the Government's restrictions roadmap as a "road to nowhere".
"A good announcement today," CEO Paul Guerra said on Sunday. "Some great cash injections for businesses that really need that cash flow."
But some business and industry groups fear many companies will not survive shutdowns under the current timeline.
Mario De Pasquale, who runs Marios cafe in Fitzroy, said business was down 80 per cent compared to before the COVID-19 crisis.
He has started selling groceries out of the cafe and believes income from this and his takeaway sales, as well as federal and state government support, will get it through the pandemic.
"I don't want to be running a grocery store, I want to be running a cafe," he said.
"If it wasn't for JobKeeper and State Government support, we would not be able to keep going. We'd be closed down," he said.
On Sunday, he said the business would face difficulty when the JobKeeper rate is cut from $1,500 to $1,200 a fortnight per employee after September.
"We'll have to cut their hours back," he said. "We just can't afford to pay people."
Iconic Summer sport competitions threatened by Melbourne lockdown
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/iconic-summer-sport-competitions-threatened-by-melbourne-lockdown/ar-BB18ZUhs?ocid=msedgdhpIconic sporting events such as the Boxing Day test, the Australian Open and the Melbourne Cup could be cancelled or go ahead without crowds due to Victoria’s draconian lockdown restrictions and strict reopening criteria.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he couldn’t provide a “definitive answer” on how Summer sports would be run this year claiming it was “too early to determine whether they will have crowds”.
“I don't think it will be a Boxing Day test like it normally is, nor will the Australian Open be exactly the same as it normally is," he said.
“There are lots of other events that would normally occur over summer and we have to work through each of those event by event and venue by venue."
The Premier said "teams and players coming from overseas and coaches and officials will all have to quarantine".
"We don't want one event to necessarily set us back and cause us a problem."
Long recovery ahead for Victoria's Great Ocean Road as Cape Otway Lightstation attraction calls it quits
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/long-recovery-ahead-for-victoria-s-great-ocean-road-as-cape-otway-lightstation-attraction-calls-it-quits/ar-BB1906Mb?ocid=msedgdhpIt is synonymous with Australian surf culture and natural attractions like the Twelve Apostles but now, like many tourist destinations nationally, Victoria's Great Ocean Road is facing an uncertain journey ahead.
The strip of Victorian coastline, west of Melbourne, has been largely empty of tourists throughout the state's lockdowns.
It has been a hard time for many tourist attractions, including the Colac Otway Lightstation.
After 24 years, the tourism operator at Victoria's oldest working lighthouse has decided to call it quits in March 2021.
The automated solar beacon operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority at the site will be unaffected by the closure.
"We've had to be realistic around the future for the lighthouse," Matt Bowker, who manages the attraction, said.
Mr Bowker told his 26 staff the bad news last week.
"They took it terribly, obviously," he said.
"We've had staff who've been with us for 20 years. They're really committed."
The lighthouse site at Cape Otway includes walking guides and attractions around WWII history, dinosaurs and the local Indigenous culture.
Where did the lighthouse's woes begin?
The attraction is managed by the private company Mr Bowker works for, Tourism Great Ocean Road.
The company has been battling to secure another long-term lease, which Mr Bowker says has been denied by the State Government because of changes to how leases on public land are determined.
"We're unfortunately in a perfect storm of government departments and government departments' inability to make decisions," Mr Bowker said.
Discussions with Parks Victoria about the future management of the attraction are ongoing and the State Government has been contacted for comment.
Mr Bowker said the present lease was due to end by 2022 and he was unlikely to be able to secure a short-term lease, and even if he could they were "bad for business" because he could not plan ahead.
Like most tourist operators on the Great Ocean Road, the Lightstation has been largely closed during COVID-19 and has only been able to keep paying staff through JobKeeper subsidies.
However, those Federal Government subsidies will not continue indefinitely. And with Victoria's borders closed, it is unlikely that interstate or international tourism will return to the region anytime soon.
"We have a very high international and interstate visitation at the lighthouse. About 70 per cent, traditionally," Mr Bowker said.
"With none of that happening within the next year or so, we just have to look after our staff and let them know it's unlikely we can open the doors."
Mr Bowker said if it was not for the uncertainty around the lease, he probably would have borrowed money to see the business through COVID-19.
But he said it was unlikely that any financial institution would loan money on a short-term lease anyway.
Major hotel on Great Ocean Road in administration
A major hotel and golf course on the Great Ocean Road was also put into administration in July.
The administrators of The Sands Resort in the major tourist town of Torquay, near Geelong, are seeking expressions of interest from new owners, but that will be a tough sell to investors in the present climate.
In a statement, administrators PKF said the hotel was still trading due to JobKeeper and the support of staff.
In April, the Great Ocean Road Tourism Organisation released modelling that found the region would not fully recover until 2024.
The organisation's chairman, Wayne Kayler-Thomson, told the ABC that they were updating that economic modelling, now that Victoria had been locked down even longer than initially expected.
"We are anticipating there will be significant business failures once support through JobKeeper ends and increasing debt starts to mount," he said.
However, that sentiment is being challenged. Data from Xero this week shows the rebound post-lockdown in Victoria could be fairly swift.
On Sunday, the Victorian Government announced the biggest stimulus package in its history to help businesses through the pandemic.
Premier Daniel Andrews also believes this will be a "summer like no other" in Victoria, with regional Victoria likely to be the main choice of destination for locked-in Melburnians.
However, the Victoria Tourism Industry Council is warning that regional tourism operators cannot survive off tourists from Melbourne alone.
"It will be a summer like no other in that we're all dying to get out," VTIC chief executive Felicia Mariani said.
"But I think we need to be realistic in that intrastate travel cannot sustain the industry. It can't replace interstate and international."
There is one potential glimmer of hope for the Great Ocean Road's tourism operators — its two major hubs, Lorne and Torquay, are typically hot-spots for schoolies.
It is unclear whether the popular school-leavers' event will be allowed to take place under pandemic restrictions, but a police spokesperson has told the ABC that "resourcing options" are being assessed in relation to it.
Some locals have questioned whether that would be worth the health risk.
BREACHES
Why people get angry at coronavirus rule-breakers and want to call the police
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/why-people-get-angry-at-coronavirus-rule-breakers-and-want-to-call-the-police/ar-BB190qh4?ocid=msedgdhpWitnessing others apparently breach coronavirus restrictions during pandemic lockdowns is infuriating for some Australians.
Thousands of people have been more than happy to dob in those they see breaking the rules.
While we might feel like it's justified, turning people in doesn't come without a moral cost.
This is how some Australians feel about the issue and what experts have to say about it.
'It has absolutely destroyed an eight-year friendship'
Melbourne has been under the latest round of Stage 4 restrictions since August 2, severely limiting who can visit a home, and how much time someone can spend away from their home.
For Amanda from Melbourne, frustration with a neighbour she believes is breaking the rules has ended an eight-year friendship.
"My neighbour's adult children and their children visit them daily," she said.
"The daughters go to drop their kids off there because they are nurses — but they are there for four hours beforehand and four hours after.
"I am out the back with my daughters listening to their family gatherings, when all my daughters want to do is see their cousins."
Amanda said she confronted her neighbours to tell them their actions were causing her anger and stress, but she says she was met with indifference.
"It has caused me grievous mental health issues, I have started speaking to a counsellor for the anger it has caused me," Amanda said.
"It has absolutely destroyed an eight-year friendship with our neighbours to the point we are now looking to move."
Amanda said she had to close the curtains on the side of the house facing her neighbours as a result.
'I am very concerned that this may undermine everyone else's hard work'
The announcement of a social bubble for those in Melbourne has been a welcome relief for some.
It will allow people who are single or live alone to nominate one other person they are allowed to visit.
But Aaron, from Melbourne, said friends are looking to find loopholes in the law to visit more people.
"It just seems disastrous because people have told me they will have several bubbles," he said.
"It completely defeats the purpose and it seems like it is going to be widespread."
Aaron said he sympathised with his friends who were living alone.
He said he understands people are "fed up" with restrictions, but fears the social bubble would create another wave of infections.
"They say there is no way for authorities to stop them from doing so," he said.
"I am very concerned that this may undermine everyone else's hard work if these people are able to socialise with lots of other people in their homes."
'I have spoken to another neighbour and they were concerned as well'
A person, who asked remain anonymous, said they were frustrated with what they consider is a lack of rule enforcement.
After watching neighbours have several people over — including non-relatives — they called the police.
"This is reported but the police don't come out to investigate. No wonder the virus is spreading," they said.
They said it has happened more than once and made others in the street angry.
"This family we know had two of her sons and their girlfriends over for Mother's Day, while we were all trying to do the right thing," they said.
"I have spoken to another neighbour and they were concerned as well. We don't want to spread the virus."
If you breach COVID-19 solidarity, 'you're on your own'
People are usually reluctant to dob in their neighbours. But the seriousness of the pandemic means people now feel that calling the police is justified if they see apparent breaches, according to University of Queensland social psychologist Jolanda Jetten.
The steps made to contain the disease in Melbourne means people there are especially happy to inform authorities, she said.
"People have made huge sacrifices so I think there's the idea that if you break the solidarity [in containing the virus] then 'I don't have to show any solidarity with you and you're on your own'," Professor Jetten said.
Because of the pandemic she said people feel "quite happy for people to go after others" who don't follow the coronavirus restrictions.
"I think there's a lot of rule violations in other aspects of life that people wouldn't dob their neighbour in about, where you get irritated but you won't do anything," she said.
"But [the pandemic] is different I think. There's too much at stake."
Dobbing 'can be something that's easily resented'
Despite the seriousness of the pandemic, dobbing doesn't come without a cost, said Griffith University ethicist Dr Hugh Breakey.
"It can put a strain on relationships, it can be something that is easily resented," Dr Breaky said.
"The simple reason is that the person who calls out another person is putting themselves in a position of authority.
"[An informant is] saying they know the rules and the other person doesn't know the rules, won't follow the rules or isn't following them properly and needs to be policed, punished or chastised."
He said people generally follow rules because they think they are legitimate, or because they are afraid about what those in their social circle would think.
"So being able to show that we do disapprove, that this isn't appropriate, that there is a social cost in breaking these regulations, is actually very important because we're human beings, we're social creatures," Dr Breakey said.
"Then the question is, does that apply to dobbing?
"Is dobbing part of showing that social pressure, and if it is, is it a constructive part of showing the social pressure of knowing that other people are watching and they disapprove?
"Or is it a step too far because we're putting ourselves above the person when we're calling in the forces of the state and we get more resentment than a sort of social disapproval?"
#growthfactorgraphicEMBEDfull
How do you know if someone has broken the rules?
Each state and territory has different rules and restrictions.
So before you think about dobbing in a neighbour, it would be best to make sure if a rule is being broken.
You can click on your state to find what rules are in place where you live.
Queensland
New South Wales
Australian Capital Territory
Victoria
Tasmania
South Australia
Western Australia
Northern Territory
How do I report a COVID rule breaker?
All states and territories have the same telephone number for Crime Stoppers, and a police assistance line , and you can of cause 000 , this will force the issue as the police are obligated to investigate and your are less likely to be 'FOGGED OFF''.
<< MY OPINION, FOR WHAT ITS WORTH , people who thumb their noses at the rules everyone else is following ( and making sacrifices for the greater good ) are selfish and don't care about YOU , so dob them in , make sure it's done anominously ( let them guess who dobbed them in ) . You don't own them any favours.
Police arrest 74 'aggressive and violent' protesters in Melbourne
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/melbourne/police-arrest-74-aggressive-and-violent-protesters-in-melbourne/ar-BB18ZF8lA violent clash between anti-lockdown demonstrators and police has culminated in more than 70 arrests as hundreds stormed Melbourne's CBD chanting 'freedom' in protest of Dan Andrews' lockdown measures.
Up to 250 residents amassed at Queen Victoria Market on Sunday for a second day of riots as tensions escalate over the city's tough stage four restrictions, which prohibit Melburnians from leaving home for non-essential reasons.
Protesters chanting 'Freedom' and 'Power to the people' were outnumbered by officers, with some demonstrators throwing fruit at police after raiding market stalls.
Victoria Police arrested 74 people and issued at least 176 infringement notices for breaching the Chief Health Officer directions.
A 44-year-old Burwood East man, believed to be a primary agitator for these protests, remains in police custody and is expected to be charged with incitement. His home will be subject to a search warrant.
nother person was arrested for assault police.
Police said many protestors were aggressive and threatened violence towards officers, however no members of the force were injured.
'It was extremely disappointing to see people not just protesting, but putting the lives of other Victorians at risk despite all the warnings,' a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
'Our investigations into this protest will continue, and we expect to issue further fines once the identity of individuals has been confirmed.'
Victoria police warned that anyone caught breaching COVID-19 directives will be punished.
'While it remains unlawful for Victorians to leave home to protest, you can expect that Victoria Police will hold people to account,' he said.
'We again urge people not to leave home to protest'
Footage of violent scuffles and officers on horseback moving through a group inside the market has been posted online.
'There were a few tense moments when protesters started grabbing fruit and throwing it at police,' photographer Erik Anderson said from the scene.
Protesters yelled 'this is not a police state' and 'you've got to be on the right side of history'.
Huge crowds of protesters were filmed marching down empty streets in Melbourne, calling for Daniel Andrews to ease the city's draconian lockdown restrictions.
One man was spotted kicking a police horse as officers attempted to calm crowds hurling abuse at them as they rode through the markets.
Melbourne remains in a Stage Four lockdown, meaning residents cannot leave their houses without a valid reason, and restrictions are in place to limit movement more than 5km from a person's home.
The restrictions remain in place, and both a State of Emergency and State of Disaster, have been extended a further four weeks despite the embattled state only recording 41 new cases and seven deaths on Sunday.
The latest figures released on Sunday morning take the state's death toll to 723 and the national count to 810 since the start of the pandemic in late January.
Leading up to the demonstration, organisers used encrypted phone apps to communicate, in an attempt to avoid police finding out the location of the planned rally, Herald Sun reported.
In messages sent to participants, organisers encouraged people to 'be agile, like water' and stick together throughout the course of the day.
'Be ready to swarm the location to assemble. Once we have assembled, we are all safe,' one of the organisers said.
'Conducting these protests is dependent on having sufficiently large numbers to outnumber any police presence at a location of assembly.
'Best way to achieve this is to ensure you have talked to everyone you know that might be interested in attending, and attempt to just bring at least one other person with you.'
Tensions between police and protesters escalated 11.45am on Sunday when about 50 people were cornered by police on Peel Street.
Riot police had to separate the crowd and Peel Street remains blocked off to the public.
Pictures taken at the scene show officers shepherding protesters through the streets and arresting people who do not comply with orders.
One man wearing a red and black bandanna told police he had lost faith in authorities throughout the pandemic.
He told police he felt unsafe in their presence, and that contributed to his decision to attend the illegal protest.
'Dude I'm scared. I don't even know how I'm going to pay this fine,' he said.
'Heartless soulless people. We've all lost faith.'
The second protest for the weekend comes hours after a woman shared footage of police dragging her from her car.
Natalie Bonett, 29, said she was making her way through the COVID blockade in Wallan, 60km north of Melbourne, on Saturday when she was stopped by police.
They informed her it was against the law to have her phone attached to a car charger which was mounted onto her windshield.
Following a brief and tense exchange, video shows the officer reach in drag the masked woman from her car as her passenger tried to pull her back in.
Ms Bonett, a lash technician in Melbourne, screamed and pulled away from the officer in the footage, demanding he stop touching her and get out of her car.
A passenger in the car attempted to hold her back, trying to tell the officer she's 'got anxiety' while Ms Bonett became increasingly distressed.
'What the f**k are you doing, what the f**k, get off me,' she shouted at the officer.
Moments earlier, the cop had given her an opportunity to state her name, and asked her several times to get out of the car.
'No, I don't feel safe. You're armed,' she responded.
olice previously vowed to issue more $1,652 fines ahead of Sunday's protest.
'Police had significant prevention activity in the lead up to and duration of today's which included visiting 90 persons of interest to urge them not to attend,' a police statement on Saturday said.
'Our investigations into this protest will continue, and we expect to issue further fines once the identity of individuals has been confirmed.'
'Anyone thinking of attending a protest can expect the same swift and firm response from police as has occurred today and at previous protests that were in breach of Chief Health Officer restrictions.'
Officers on horseback and in riot gear marched through the city during Saturday's protests.
Demonstrators were taken away in handcuffs as police tried to avoid a repeat of last week's protest that saw violent clashes leading to 17 arrests.
One man was arrested on Saturday after holding an anti-lockdown sign and calling out to police outside the Shrine of Remembrance.
The man told News Corp he wasn't a conspiracy theorist but was anti-government and nodded when asked if it was 'worth the fine'.
Another mask-wearer was seen being spoken to by an officer while holding a sign that read: 'I am just exercising... my human rights'.
One elderly woman had her details taken by police after she held up a sign with the message: 'open our churches'.
One woman was dramatically restrained on the ground by multiple officers at the Observatory Gate because she wouldn't give her ID, the Herald Sun reported.
She was shoved into the back of a police car while screaming to be let go.
'They've arrested me because I won't say my name. I've been in Melbourne all my life, I just want to go for a walk,' the woman said.
Meanwhile a man with a picture of Premier Daniel Andrews stuck to the back of his face shield paraded through the protest while another had a mask saying 'sack Daniel Andrews'.
The 'Freedom Walk' is believed to be the doing of sacked Clive Palmer political candidate and conspiracy theorist Tony Pecora, 43.
Mr Pecora was arrested by police after allegedly planning the event and charged with two counts of incitement.
The 43-year-old allegedly created the event on social media under the alias Arkwell Tripellego.
He believes the deadly coronavirus was 'genetically engineered by world banks to kill off weak humans'.
He then quoted Midnight Oil, allegedly telling police if someone contracted coronavirus at one of his events 'it would be better to die on your feet than live on your knees'.
On Sunday, Mr Andrews announced an extension of the State of Emergency and State of Disaster in Victoria.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos said the extension of the State of Emergency, which will now last until at least October 11, was crucial for the implementation of necessary COVID-safe guidelines.
'The State of Emergency ensures we have all the tools we need to fight this virus – keeping all of us safe,' she said.
Meanwhile Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville said it wasn't an easy decision to make.
'Extending a State of Disaster is never a decision we make lightly – and it won't be in place a moment longer than it needs to be,' she said on Sunday.
'We are at a critical point right now. And we have to do everything we can to hold onto the gains we've made, which means giving Victoria Police everything they need to enforce the Chief Health Officer's directions as we keep driving down cases.'
The financial rescue package will inject up to $1.1billion into small and medium sized businesses that are most affected by coronavirus restrictions.
A further $251million will be dedicated solely to support bars, restaurants, pubs, clubs and hotels which have been decimated during the two lockdowns.
The Licenced Venue Fund will provide grants of up to $30,000 to venues, while the government has also waived liquor license fees for 2021.
'For our state to recover, we need our businesses to recover too. As we take our first safe and steady steps towards COVID Normal, this support will help make sure we get through this together,' Mr Andrews said.
'We'll continue meeting with and listening to businesses, so we can do everything we can to support them and their workers.'
From Monday, the city of Melbourne will move from the strict Stage Four lockdown into the first step of the roadmap toward reopening.
While modest, the changes will allow for more time outdoors and social interactions.
Mr Andrews said if numbers were kept low the state could open with 'real confidence' and keep them low.
'You can open up and stay open,' he said. 'That is what we want and that is what we will deliver.
'That is what we will deliver in regional Victoria and right across metropolitan Melbourne, not bouncing in and out of lockdowns, but making sure that everything that Victorians have given counts for something and delivers us, as I said, a summer that will be like no other.'
What is the difference between a 'State of Emergency' and a 'State of Disaster'?
State of Emergency
A State of Emergency can be declared when there is a serious risk to public health.
It first came into effect in Victoria on March 16 to give Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton wide-ranging powers to enforce new coronavirus restrictions.
Professor Sutton had the authority to direct health officials to detain people, force entire suburbs and regions into lockdown or search premises without a warrant if he felt it was necessary to protect the health of the public.
The State of Emergency initially allowed the government to enforce social distancing and mandatory quarantine.
State of Disaster
While the State of Emergency grants powers to Professor Sutton, a State of Disaster grants additional powers to police and enforcement agencies.
The State of Disaster came into effect on August 2nd and has faced several one month extensions since then.
To declare a State of Disaster, the premier must be concerned that an emergency 'constitutes or is likely to constitute a significant and widespread danger to life or property in Victoria'.
A pandemic, plague or epidemic falls into this bracket.
The State of Disaster allows the enforcement of curfews and restrictions of movement within a city.
People living alone or single parents will be able to invite one other person into their homes.
Mr Andrews said he would allow 'social bubbles' even when exercising outdoors, which will now be extended to up to two hours per day - which can be split over two sessions.
Playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment will reopen, and Melbourne's 8pm lockdown has been pushed back to 9pm.
Regional Victoria will also enjoy the loosening of several restrictions after successfully stemming the spread of the virus.
Up to five people from two separate households will be able to gather in public places, while outdoor pools and playgrounds will also open.
Religious services will be able to go ahead with up to five people.