What you need to know To help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), stay safe by regularly washing your hands, keeping at least 1.5 metres from other people, and staying home if you feel unwell. If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) get tested. From 11:59pm on 8 July if you live in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire you must stay at home. You can only leave home for one of the four reasons – shopping for food and supplies, care and caregiving, exercise, and study and work, if you can’t do it from home. From 11:59pm on 22 July if you live in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire you must wear a mask when you leave home for one of the four reasons. For people who live in other parts of Victoria, it is recommended you wear a mask when you leave home and are in situations where it is difficult to maintain 1.5 metres distance between yourself and others.