Modest easing to restrictions from 11.59 pm Friday, 17 September in lockdown areas of metropolitan Melbourne and Ballarat

From 11.59 pm tonight, the City of Ballarat will have the same restrictions – except for the curfew – in place as Metropolitan, Melbourne.

“I specifically took up with Minister Payne the problems faced by Indian students in Australia because We have heard a lot from them and I think their frustrations, their feelings, are completely understandable."

PM of Fiji Frank Bainimarama states, “The more Fijians we vaccinated, the more lives we will save and the more freedom we can restore."

From 11.59 pm on Thursday 9 September, the five reasons to leave the home will be removed in regional Victoria, except for Greater Shepparton.

Do you need to leave Australia citing emergency, compassionate or family reasons? DHA lists the reasons that can allow you permission to leave.

The NSW Government will waive the ambulance fee for patients unwell with, or suspected to have, COVID-19.

It now seems unlikely that NSW – and maybe even Victoria – will be able to suppress COVID down to zero before any vaccination target is reached.

While the restrictions commence from 11.59 pm tonight, Premier is asking people to respect the curfew from 9 pm.

You have given the Nation the Gift of Encouragement and Hope in a difficult time. Vinaka Vakalevu