A sense of gloom is hanging over Melbourne as it enters a new lockdown.

The six week period kicked off at midnight last night after a record number of new cases in Victoria.

Residents are still allowed outside for work, health needs, essential shopping and exercise.

Melbourne Herald Sun health editor Grant McArthur told Mike Yardley people are shocked.

"It’s kind of been like this thing looming down on us, and now it’s here, there's almost a sense of mourning here in Melbourne that this has happened again."

Victoria premier Daniel Andrews says people will only be able to leave for essential services, work, exercise and medical care.

He says everybody knows now that they have no choice but to take these difficult steps forward.

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