Victorian Premier Warns Venues & Bars Won't Be Opening 'Any Time Soon'

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has warned that venues, bars and pubs won't be reopening "any time soon". 

Speaking at a press conference this morning, Andrews discussed the possibility of relaxing some of the restrictions put in place due to the coronavirus outbreak and the positive numbers Australia is experiencing in regards to infection rates, but said re-opening venues is still a long way off.

"I want to make it clear though that the notion that pubs are opening any time soon, restaurants, bars, cafes - I don’t think that will be [happening]," he said.

"The risk will be far greater than any reward. I think there are some areas where we might be able to make changes in around the way people interact... I’m trying to give people a sense that there is hope here.

"These numbers are good. This strategy is working. It’s as much to avoid the alternative as it is to then relax all these rules. That would be exactly the wrong thing to do."

Andrews' comments come after Australian National University professor Peter Collignon said pubs will likely remain shut throughout winter.

"Unfortunately I don't think until September this year at the earliest," Collignon told Sydney Morning Herald.

"Winter is coming and that is our next big risk time – for all respiratory viruses, including this one.

"I think for a while longer with large intermingling groups inside, we need to play safe which is better than being very sorry afterwards."