All the COVID rules relaxed in Melbourne today – before more sweeping changes next week as the state enjoys its tenth day straight of zero coronavirus infections or deaths
Strict coronavirus rules have been eased in Victoria after a golden run of ten days without any local COVID-19 infections or deaths.
The sweeping changes were announced by Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday, with another batch of restrictions due to be lifted in two weeks on November 22.
From 11.59pm on Sunday, libraries, galleries, cinemas, gyms and museums will be allowed to open for Victorians with 20 people per venue.
The limit will increase to 100 people from November 22.
Punters are now able to get back on gaming machines, with ten patrons per venue, while casinos are permitted to hold 10 people per room.
Strict coronavirus rules have been eased in Victoria after a golden run of ten days without any local COVID-19 infections or deaths. Pictured: women wearing face masks walk in Melbourne CBD
Also from November 22, Victorians will be allowed ten people round to their house, regardless of their household bubble.
All hospitality venues including bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes will be allowed 100 customers indoors and 200 outside.
Cinemas and galleries will also be allowed 100 patrons, while wedding limits will shoot up to 100 people.
At gyms, 100 people will be allowed in two weeks with maximum groups of ten – signalling the start of group exercise classes.
Community spaces including libraries or RSLs and neighbourhood houses can have up to 20 indoors, with groups of up to ten.
The sweeping changes were announced by Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) on Sunday
‘It can’t be done open slather because whilst these numbers are good what we have all built together is fragile. Precious and fragile. It has to be safeguarded,’ Mr Andrews told a press conference on Sunday morning.
The major announcement comes as Victorians prepare to enjoy the first major easing of restrictions at midnight on Sunday, including finally going to the gym and travelling to regional areas.
The travel restriction between Melbourne and regional Victoria has been lifted and the 25km radius has been scrapped.
Gym and fitness facilities will reopen with a cap of 20 people while restaurants, hotels and cafes will be allowed to seat more patrons.
The outdoor cap will be raised to 70 while the indoor dining limit will be lifted from ten to 40 people.
Funerals will now be able to cater to 20 mourners indoors and 50 mourners outdoors.
Faith gatherings will also be allowed to have 50 people, plus a faith leader, outdoors and 20 people, plus a faith leader, indoors.
Mr Andrews was particularly concerned about people obeying the rules regarding gatherings in homes after they were linked to previous outbreaks of COVID-19.
‘It’s really important that people stick within these rules. The data is very clear on this: so many of our recent outbreaks were connected to home visits,’ he said in a statement.
‘Home is where we relax, where we feel comfortable, which is precisely why it is so dangerous.’
More to come.
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