Covid Victoria: Lockdown restrictions eased – what you need to know
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a number of eased coronavirus restrictions after the state recorded its 23rd consecutive day without a new case of community transmission.
From 11.59pm on Sunday, Victorians will now be allowed 15 visitors in their home not including children under the age of one.
This number will increase to 30 from 11.59pm on December 13 in time for Christmas.
“[From tonight] outdoor gatherings in public spaces, such as the beach or a park, will increase to 50 people,” Mr Andrews said.
“Masks, which have played a very important part in delivering these low numbers, and containing the spread of the virus, we are making a fundamental change.
“Masks will be required... in all settings inside, they will not be required when you are outside.
“However, you need to carry the mask with you, because you will need to wear the mask outside if you can't [socially] distance.”
Further changes to pubs, gyms, religious gatherings
Hospitality will have a new limit of 300 with only 100 allowed inside. Smaller venues will be allowed 50 inside.
Office workers from November 30 will return to work with workspaces permitted to have 25 per cent of staff on site but people working in the public sector won’t be going back.
Gyms and indoor sport recreation will be permitted to have 150 people inside with a maximum of 20 in a group. Outdoor sport will increase to a maximum of 500 with groups of 50 people.
Outdoor pools can take on 300 people.
Religious gatherings, community centres and libraries will be allowed 300 outdoors and 150 indoors.
“I know this will be very important for many people of faith, who have had a very difficult year, not being able to come together and worship together,” Mr Andrews said.
Cinemas and small galleries will be allowed 150 people inside while the National Gallery of Victoria can function at 25 per cent capacity.
Mr Andrews said the numbers were a “testament to the character and the conviction” of Victorians.
“These rules are a reflection of the best public health advice, listening and being driven by the science, being driven by the data, and we are trying to get people as back to close to normal as possible, but it can only be Covid normal,” he said.
“Everything must be Covid-safe. Please, having achieved this amazing outcome, we've all got to remain vigilant, we've all got to keep playing a part.”
He added he will announce more changes on December 6.
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