Victoria reported no new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, March 3, after a nine-month extension to the state of emergency passed parliament overnight Tuesday.
The state of emergency was due to run out this month, but Premier Daniel Andrews said it was crucial it continued, as the pandemic was "not over".
“The rules are not there for any reason other than to keep us safe and keep the place open,” he said.
“If we could have no rules at all then that would be fine, and if this was over by simply giving a speech in parliament or passing a law, then we would've done that a while ago.”
The state of emergency allows Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton to issue legally enforceable public health directions, such as mask rules and quarantine restrictions.
However the Opposition has claimed it meant the government had "no serious checks on powers", while many Victorians fear it will mean more snap lockdowns.
There are currently eight active cases of coronavirus in Victoria.
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