The Victorian government has imposed a seven-day state-wide lockdown starting at midnight Thursday after 26 new CCP virus cases emerged from a cluster which is believed to be the Indian variant and linked to South Australian quarantine. The restrictions mean people can leave their homes for only five reasons: shopping for food, attending authorised work or study, exercising (with one other person), providing care, and getting vaccinated. The 5km travel limit will also be reimposed for exercise and shopping, as will compulsory use of masks indoors and outdoors. All non-essential retail will close but essential stores including supermarkets, bottle shops and pharmacies will remain open. Cafes and restaurants will only be able to offer take-away. Childcare and kinder will stay open, but schools will close. Professional sports events such as the weekend’s AFL games in Melbourne will continue, but without crowds. Acting Premier James Merlino told reporters on Thursday the …