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Restrictions to ease in Melbourne despite three new cases

Coronavirus restrictions will ease in Melbourne with the metropolitan border and 25 kilometre limit to be scrapped from 11.59pm on Thursday.

As Victoria reported three new cases on Tuesday, Acting Premier James Merlino told reporters restrictions could now be eased.

New rules for Melbourne

Along with the removal of the 25km limit, public gatherings will also be increased to 12.

Gatherings in the home are now permitted, however there will be a cap of two visitors in a home per day, plus dependants.

People walk in a park in Melbourne.
The 25km limit for Melburnians will be lifted. Source: Getty

Businesses including gyms, indoor entertainment venues and electronic gaming can reopen and hospitality venues can host up to 25 people.

If you can work form home you should continue to do so, however office workers will be able to return to 50 per cent capacity in Melbourne.

Competition and community sport can also return and there is no limit on travel for sport in Victoria.

Everybody must continue to wear masks indoors, whether it's shopping, on a train or at a workplace.

For Melburnians wanting to visit the snow, they will need to have a Covid-19 test within 72 hours of heading to the alpine regions and return a negative result.

New Covid rules in regional Victoria

Regional Victoria will also see an easing of restrictions, with up to 7000 fans from Geelong and surrounding areas able to attend Friday night's AFL match at GMHBA Stadium between the Cats and the Western Bulldogs.

From 11.59pm tomorrow, public gatherings will be increased to 50 people while restaurants and cafes can open to a maximum of 300 patrons per venue for seated service.

A general view during a Geelong Cats AFL training session at GMHBA Stadium on June 16, 2021 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Up to 7000 fans can watch Friday's game at GMHBA Stadium. Source: Getty

Smaller venues can host up to 25 people or follow the two people per two square metres rule.

Religious ceremonies are capped at 300 and funerals are limited to 100 people while 50 are allowed at weddings.

Office capacities are increasing to 75 per cent or 30 people, whichever is greater.

Visitors to the home will be limited to five adults per day, plus dependants.

"We want to keep regional Victoria free of this virus," Mr Merlino said.

Concerns after nurse tests positive

Of the new cases announced on Wednesday, one is a nurse at a private hospital who was part of the team supporting residents who were located there 10 days ago.

COVID-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar told reporters they were concerned as they believe she was infectious during a shift at Epping private hospital.

“We are working to support her and primary contacts around the hospital and also any others she may have had,” he said.

“I can confirm all of the staff at the private hospital working in this active area have had their first dose of vaccines.”

All the new cases have been linked to the Kings Park On Southbank apartment complex, which has been locked down for 14 days.

The two other positive cases reported on Wednesday are family members of an existing family that tested positive a the complex.

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