A woman looks out a window from a locked-down public housing tower in Melbourne. Photo / AP
Australia's prime minister says a shutdown of the nation's second-largest city is necessary and promised continuing financial support for businesses that fear they won't survive a second lockdown.
The Victoria state Government said Melbourne and part of its surrounds will lock down for six weeks from tonight because the rate
of coronavirus spread was unsustainable.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the federal Government's medical advice agreed with the Victorian Government that the move was necessary.
He says "I hope it isn't for that long. I hope it's for a shorter period as possible."
