Federal MPs in Melbourne have been urged to get to Canberra before midnight to avoid missing Parliament's sitting week beginning Monday in case Melbourne enters a snap lockdown.
As cases connected to the Melbourne Holiday Inn outbreak continued to rise on Friday, the Victorian government is contemplating a short lockdown to get ahead of the situation.
While the ACT currently only has restrictions on people that have visited certain Melbourne exposure sites, the territory may introduce broader restrictions following the meeting of the AHPPC on Friday.
The Usher of the Black Rod wrote to senators on Friday advising them to return to Canberra before midnight to be present for next week's Parliamentary sitting.
"Based on the evolving situation in Melbourne from the Holiday Inn COVID-19 outbreak, it is highly recommended that any senators who are in the greater Melbourne area bring forward their travel plans to arrive in Canberra today, Friday 12 February 2021," the message read.
"There are currently no border restrictions for Victoria with the ACT, except for individuals who have been in the nominated exposure sites connected with the outbreak. However this could change at short notice. We understand the chief health officers are meeting to discuss the developing situation.
"Senators from other states and territories should continue to monitor the situation relevant to their jurisdiction as border restrictions can change rapidly."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison was in Melbourne on Friday to make a vaccine announcement, alongside Health Minister Greg Hunt, from the CSL laboratories.
Mr Morrison said he intended to leave Melbourne for Sydney following the announcement.
Earlier, he said he would welcome a "short-sharp" lockdown for Melbourne in light of the growing COVID cases.
The Canberra Cavalry are currently in Melbourne to play in the Australian Baseball League finals.
