Today Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Wednesday engaged in a.
Amongst other things Mr Andrews argued that,with just four reasons to go out,he was not sure that allowing people the ability to leave home at night to do those things would make much difference.
We thought we would ask readers what they thought andgot a huge response this afternoon.
Broadly readers fall into two camps - those who point to useful things they would like to do if the curfew was away and those who say it makes no difference and is likely good policy in the circumstances.
Shopping,running,walking the dog
These were some of the common things people cited when describing how they would make use of the time.
I often would do the grocery shopping after 8pm as my husband and I both still work so by the time we finish,pick up my son from childcare,cook dinner and get my son to bed it's already past curfew.The supermarkets are also a lot quieter at that time which is a bonus!
Sarah
Might go to the supermarket when there are fewer people around
Damien Coleman
Walk after dinner for 1 hr of exercise when few people out (lower risk)
Anonymous
There are a significant number of persons working in construction that cannot function within the lockdown hours. People leave their homes at 5 am (and earlier) and return home between 6:30 and 8 pm. What quality of life do these people have?The people who have worked all the way through the lockdown,worn a mask,social distanced followed the ever increasing number of restrictions etc and cannot even go home and go for a walk,or even go shopping for essentials because its too late - people cannot go and enjoy time with family because its'too late'. It is absolutely ridiculous not to give consideration to these situations - myself and many hundreds of others are in the same situation. It has been extremely challenging and mentally exhausting to work with the restrictions,let alone having to go home and do more of the same. My co workers are all challenged and the stress and strain and mental issues are visibly evident.
Rebecca
Take my infant child out for a drive to go to sleep -its the only way he will settle.
Anonymous
I would do nothing different and continue to follow the stay at home rules. BUT removal of the"curfew"would remove me of a very weighty psychological burden and add just a little hope in what appears to be an almost hopeless situation which those of us who are obeying the instructions can do no more to assist.
Byron
Go to the shops and walk my dog after 8:00 once my three children are in bed and my husband is home from work.
Kate
Because I am a vulnerable person,I avoid going to supermarkets as much as possible. So far,I have order most of my groceries online for home delivery but they require a minimum spend of $50 plus a delivery charge.Without a curfew,I could do my own shopping late at night when it is safer.
Ken
Stay home
Coming from another perspective,a large number of readers indicated that they would simply stay home if the curfew was lifted but other restrictions were still in place meaning it made no difference to them. Many also expressed support for the policy
Currently with community transmissions out there,(I live in Wyndham) I would not be venturing out,even with no curfew. I would not go shopping or to cinemas,restaurants or bars. Staying home restricts person to person transmission so I am happy for the curfew to stay until we have this thing under better control. I suspect my lack of confidence is widely shared so businesses would not get back all their pre-covid customers anyway.
Chris
Exactly what I'm doing now. Not much.
Lucy
Basically nothing different. The curfew doesn't affect me while restaurants aren't open and I can't see friends. The curfew is a low cost enforcement measure in my view.
PJ
Nothing would have changed so i think curfew must be in place just to deter people from doing the wrong thing and breaching lockdown rules
Anonymous
Nothing,I would still STAY HOME. People are dying! What is it about “reducing the movement of people...AKA potential virus” don’t people get?
Anonymous
Nothing would change - it's not like we can go out for dinner,go to the pub for a beer or visit friends.
Steve
Nothing. Who needs to be out after 8 pm if you’re not working? Fully support continuing it. Why change a winning strategy?
Anonymous
I would do nothing differently. Genuinely straining my brain wondering why reporters need to labor the point that does not need to be made. If you're getting a kebab at 3am you deserve to be fined.
Anonymous
Stay at home.
Anonymous