Central Victorian abattoirs subject to new coronavirus restrictions

They are the only regional industry subject to newly tightened stage four restrictions implemented in metropolitan Melbourne.

All other businesses will be subject to stage three restrictions.

Meat processing facilities have been the source of several Victorian COVID-19 outbreaks, including a cluster at Castlemaine's Don KR.

A COVID-19 case in a worker at Lockwood's Hazeldene's chicken farm was announced on Monday.

Regional businesses forced to close will be eligible for a $5000 grant.

Thirteen more Victorians have died from COVID-19 since Sunday, as the state reported 429 new cases.

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Premier Daniel Andrews announced details of a strict new set of restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne on Monday.

Restrictions are so tight that only tradespeople will be able to visit hardware stores such as Bunnings.

It comes after Mr Andrews announced on Sunday regional Victoria would soon return to stage three restrictions.

Supermarkets, bottleshops, petrol stations, banks, post offices, pharmacies and newsagents will remain open for those in metropolitan Melbourne.

Onsite operations in retail, some manufacturing and administration will close during the the next six weeks in metropolitan Melbourne. This applies from 11.59pm on Wednesday.

Under the stage four restrictions retail stores will be allowed to run contactless click and collect and delivery services.

Hardware stores will remain open for tradespeople only, in metropolitan Melbourne.

Industries such as food production will continue to operate, with strict safety measures in place.

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These are part of the tight stage four restrictions Metropolitan Melbourne on Sunday night, which include a nightly curfew.

All businesses that continue to operate will have until 11.59pm on Friday to enact a COVIDSafe plan.

This includes construction, logistics and meat processing.

Workers in the meat industry, for instance, will be required to wear full personal protective equipment, such as gowns, masks and shields.

Mr Andrews emphasised that people would be able to buy what they needed, but they may not be able to buy everything in the quantities they once might have.

"There'll be more to go around if people buy what they need when they need it," he said.

It comes as Victoria fought continued increases of case numbers.

Bendigo's active COVID-19 cases stood at 22 on Sunday afternoon.

The Macedon Ranges has 19 active cases, Mount Alexander and Loddon three each and Campaspe one.

A cluster of central Victorian cases have been linked to the Don KR facility in Castlemaine.

Lockwood's Hazeldene's chicken farm also announced on Monday an employee had tested positive to COVID-19.

Cases have also been linked to schools, an aged care worker, and a mine-worker.

Mr Andrews said the Melbourne-based stage four restrictions involved "heartbreaking" decisions, but there was no choice.

"The advice from our medical experts is these are the only way to get our numbers under control, to drive them down low enough so we can open up again," he said.

"The alternative is a six month strategy, not a six week strategy."

Stage three restrictions mean regional Victorians may only leave their homes to buy necessary goods and services, for medical care or compassionate reasons, for exercise, and for work and education if necessary.

Hospitality businesses will be limited to takeaway only, and schools will return to remote learning.

Masks are also mandatory across the state.

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