This is the news no one wants to hear – but it's important.
We always knew there would be cases and clusters. We have plans and systems in place to deal with precisely this scenario – and those are already well underway.
But I just wanted to give everyone a quick update and make sure you've all got the most up-to-date info – and what will change as a result:
As of this afternoon, there are 8 locally acquired cases in Victoria.
All 8 are safely isolating, as are their close contacts.
The public health team worked through the night to track their movements and get a list of exposure sites together.
This is live on the DHHS website and will be updated frequently, so please take a couple of minutes to have a look.
If you visited any of the locations listed you'll need to get tested as soon as possible and isolate until you get your results. Please don't delay it.
That's the nuts and bolts of where we're at.
Here's what's happening next:
As of 5pm this evening some new measures will be in place to make sure everyone stays safe tonight – and in the days to come.
The private gathering limit will be reduced from 30 to 15.
That means a maximum of 15 guests in your home, not including babies under 12 months.
Masks will be mandatory indoors, so if you're heading out tonight please make sure you have one.
And if you feel unwell, give things a miss and stay home. Your friends and family will thank you for it.
We've also had to make some difficult decisions about the border with NSW.
From 11.59pm on 1 January, the border will close completely. This will give Victorians currently in the green zone some time to get home – but it's a small window so we need people to act quickly.
This doesn't include Victorians from the Blue Mountains City Council and Wollongong City Council local government areas, who must apply for a new permit and arrive before 11.59pm tonight.
I know all this will put a dent in a lot of people's plans – and I'm sorry about that.
After the year we've all had, I'm sure many of us were looking forward to bidding farewell to 2020 tonight with family and friends.
Maybe even getting on the beers.
But the virus doesn't respect the fact that it's New Year's Eve.
It doesn't care about the parties we've planned or the camping trip we're packing for.
We have to take this seriously and act quickly.
And the more we can do to stop the spread, the easier that task is for everyone.
I know this will be tough to take. Victorians have been through a lot this year and sacrificed so much.
But we will get through it – together.
Current exposure sites are listed here, but please keep checking back as this page is updated frequently: dhhs.vic.gov.au/case-locations…
This is a little message for all the Year 12 students getting their results today:
Completing your VCE or VCAL is a major achievement in any year. But no one should underestimate just how big an accomplishment it was in 2020.
And to get through it while separated from your teachers & your mates – well, that's truly impressive.
Don't worry if today's not your day. If your score's not what you'd hoped, remember there are plenty of opportunities. Plenty of options & pathways to get where you want to go.
You'll look back on 2020 – maybe now, maybe years from now – and realise that what you learned was more than English or economics.
You learned just how determined you really are. Just how strong you could be.
Case numbers are continuing to grow. There are still missing links in the chains of transmission, which suggests there'll be more cases out there that the authorities are yet to find.
Without mandatory masks and stay at home orders across Sydney, we do not have confidence that the situation remains safe.
That's why from 11:59pm tonight, the Greater Sydney area and the Central Coast will be designated a 'red zone'.
People who live in these areas or have visited since 11 December cannot enter our state.
Anyone from the red zone found trying to enter Victoria in breach of these orders will be subject to mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine.
I know people are concerned about what's happening in NSW.
There's no need to panic – but we absolutely can't afford to get complacent. We all have to take this seriously.
So here's what we're going to do:
From 11.59pm tonight, we're introducing a permit system for everyone entering VIC from NSW. Anyone who has been to the Nthn Beaches & other hotspots (red zone) won't be allowed to enter. Arrivals from these areas after 11.59pm will be transferred to hotel quarantine for 14 days.
People travelling from Greater Sydney (orange zone) are encouraged to get tested on arrival and self quarantine until they receive a negative result.
And we're asking anyone coming from regional NSW (green zone) to monitor for symptoms.
I'm pleased to announce that after extensive discussion between the Department of Health and the Department of Elf, Santa will be permitted entry to Victoria this Christmas.
Mr Claus and nine reindeer have passed all the necessary tests, and will follow strict instructions to only deliver presents to very good Victorian children.
I just got off a call to deliver the good news, and outline the minimum distance and density requirements for Santa and his little helpers.
Mr Claus agreed that the only thing he and his team will be spreading this Christmas is fun, joy – and a bit of spirit too.