Drastic measures will come into force across 36 suburbs in Melbourne tonight to stop Victoria's coronavirus crisis from worsening.
From midnight, more than 300,000 residents will be forced into lockdown with a public health order taking effect in the city's north and north-west.
Residents in 10 identified postcodes will return to Stage 3 restrictions until at least July 29 and will not be allowed to leave their homes unless it is for the four reasons permitted under the Chief Health Officer's directives.
Police will be patrolling the soon-to-be-sealed-off areas with checkpoints to screen those coming in and out. Those without a good reason will be issued with a fine.
People living outside the 10 hotspot postcodes have also been ordered to stay away.
It comes after a further 64 new cases were identified across Victoria yesterday, with nearly 250 new diagnoses since Thursday.
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From midnight on July 1, 36 suburbs across 10 postcodes in Melbourne will go into lockdown because of a spike in coronavirus cases. (Nine News)