Victoria announces virus restriction rollbacks
Victoria has announced further easing of coronavirus restrictions in the coming weeks, including easing measures in pubs, restaurants and cafes.
As of 11.59pm on June 21, pubs and clubs will be able to serve drinks without a meal for up to 50 people, while cafes and restaurants will also be able to increase their capacity to 50 patrons, Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday.
“Restaurants, cafes and pubs will go from 20 patrons to 50 patrons per enclosed space. And alcohol will be able to be served without food, but that will only be table service,” he said.
Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton added the four-square-metre rule will still apply.
“So as we open up the hospitality industry to greater numbers, we are still recommending the density quota to apply, we still want appropriate distancing between tables, we want people's details to be recorded,” he said.
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Galleries, museums and amusement parks, as well as libraries, community centres and halls, cinemas, concert venues, theatres and auditoriums will also be able to have 50 people.
Groups in community facilities will be limited to a maximum of 20 people, however up to 50 people are allowed in each seperate space.
From June 22, outdoor and indoor contact sport training and competition will be able to resume for those aged 18-years and younger, while non-contact sport for all ages can resume.
For indoor sport and recreational activities, maximum 20 people will be permitted per space or zone, with up to 10 people per group class.
Indoor and outdoor pools will be allowed 20 people, as will change rooms, showers and clubrooms at sport venues.
Overnight, Victoria recorded nine new cases of coronavirus, three of which are in hotels quarantining.
Mr Andrews praised the states rigorous testing, stating it was among the best in the world.
“We have 8787 tests per 100,000, and about 42,500 tests in the last six days or so,” Mr Andrews said.
“So we are consistent in delivering a 50,000 a week. And the reason that is important is it gives us a contemporary sense of how much virus is in the community, how it is presenting, the sorts of, well, it gives you evidence and facts rather than guesswork.”
Before announcing the eased restrictions, Mr Andrews thanked Victorians for following the rules and those who have come forward for testing.
He urged those even with the “mildest symptoms” to come forward for testing.
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