Businesses impacted by Victoria's lockdown

A snap five-day lockdown has begun in Victoria as authorities work to limit the spread of the highly contagious UK variant of COVID-19. International flights are being suspended as the hotel quarantine system comes under increased scrutiny. There are also calls for businesses to receive aid to cover losses experienced over the busy trading weekend with Valentine's Day and the Lunar New Year.

Businesses in Melbourne say the loss in trading over Valentine's Day will put them out by tens of thousands of dollars. Source: AAP