‘There are other ways to protest’: Health Officer issues stark warning ahead of demonstrations

Victoria's Chief Health Officer has called on protesters not to attend a planned Black Lives Matter protest in Melbourne tomorrow, arguing "there are other ways to protest". Professor Brett Sutton said he did not believe it was "inevitable" the state would experience a spike in COVID-19 cases but said "the greater numbers that gather, the greater the opportunity for transmission". "A gathering of 20 is not allowed under the state of emergency," he said. Mr Sutton expressed his understanding police had discretionary powers to issue fines and would be "using it appropriately" but said he could not comment on whether fines should be issued for people flouting social distancing rules. "There will be a lot of vocal protesting so that adds to my concern of transmission," he said. "I don't think people should be there. That's my definitive advice." Image: News Corp Australia

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