Victoria has announced one new case of community transmission of COVID-19 overnight as the state begins its five-day snap lockdown to halt the spread of the highly infectious UK variant

There have been zero cases acquired interstate and zero cases diagnosed in hotel quarantine with more than 20,000 people tested in 24 hours.

However it is is not yet clear if the new case is linked to the airport Holiday Inn outbreak

The lockdown is seen as an important circuit-breaker to try to stop the spread of the highly infectious UK strain.

Under stage four restrictions, Victorians cannot leave their homes except to shop for essential items, for care and care-giving, for two hours of exercise and for essential work.

Masks must be worn at all times, except inside the home, and residents must remain within a 5 kilometre radius from home

Valentine’s Day lockdown heartbreaking for Victorian small businesses

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell says the Victorian Government needs to urgently compensate small businesses forced to close their doors on one of the busiest holidays of the year.

“Small businesses such as florists and restaurants currently have their storage rooms packed with supplies, ahead of what they thought would be one of their busiest trading days of the year,” Ms Carnell says.

“Unfortunately, this snap lockdown means thousands of Victorian small businesses need to shut up shop for five days without any notice.

“It is for this reason the Victorian Government needs to immediately announce a compensation package for affected small businesses who have lost stock such as flowers and food.

“The compensation should also cover all other costs associated with running a business including staff wages and rent.

“It is impossible for small businesses to plan for sudden lockdowns and the timing of this one – coinciding with Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year celebrations – could not be worse.

“Victorian restaurant owners are understandably frustrated, given this lockdown announcement came just hours after their additional supplies were delivered. Many were fully-booked all weekend.

“These small businesses are set to lose thousands of dollars worth of stock through no fault of their own. Given the nightmarish 12 months these cash-strapped small businesses have already been through, there’s a real risk this lockdown could break them.

“It’s absolutely critical these small businesses have the support and certainty they need from the Victorian Government to get through this.”