Victoria, Australia Lockdown Lifted But Visitors to Ski Fields Will Need Negative Covid Test

Lockdown restrictions across Victoria, Australia will ease tonight after a 12-day lockdown saw a reduction in community transmission of coronavirus.

Citizens will be able to leave their homes for any reason, schools will reopen, restaurants and cafes will reopen, retail and beauty and personal care will re-open as will entertainment venues and community facilities. And ski resorts will reopen.

• Related: Travel to Australia and New Zealand is Officially a No-Go For Americans This Winter

Due to the supposed higher risk at ski fields, visitors will require a covid test and receipt of a negative result within 72 hours prior to visiting. Masks will continue to be required everywhere indoors and outdoors (except private residences) unless an exception applies.

The state of Victoria, Australia, entered a “short, sharp” five-day lockdown on Friday 16th July to try and contain a growing outbreak of the Delta variant of covid-19, a lockdown that was ultimately extended to 12 days. The lockdown meant many ski resorts were forced to closed. Citizens were only able to leave home for five reasons; to shop for food and essential items, provide or receive care, exercise, work or study if they cannot from home, and get vaccinated. It was the fifth lockdown for Victoria since the start of the pandemic and the third in 2021.

“We’ve got no choice. We have to do this, otherwise, it will get away from us. We don’t want this getting away from us and being locked down for months. We want to deal with this with a short, sharp lockdown. Decisive action, not waiting, not dawdling, not delay. Hard and fast, you only get one chance. Now is our time.”

– Dan Andrews, Premier of Victoria

The timing of the lockdown was a cruel blow for the state’s ski fields, as a season-saving storm dropped over three feet of snow on alpine areas.

“We know that this is devastating news for our guests, employees, and local communities, and want you to know that we share this sadness with you.”

– Mount Hotham Skiing company

Resorts affected by the closure included Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, Lake Mountain, Mt Baw Baw, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, and Mt Stirling.

The snow is going nowhere, though, and when the lockdown ends, all that powder should still be waiting for eager powderhounds on Wednesday morning.