'A massive thing': Victoria Premier announces easing of restrictions
Premier Daniel Andrews has announced coronavirus restrictions in regional Victoria will be eased from Wednesday night.
“I am absolutely delighted to be able to announce that regional Victoria, from 11:59pm tomorrow night, will be able to take the third step in our safe and steady road map to COVID normal,” he said.
“It's a massive thing, a very positive thing.
"This is a great day for regional Victoria.”
He said the step was possible after there were no mystery cases over the past 14 days.
Key changes for regional Victoria
One of the main changes will be the four reasons for leaving the home will no longer apply.
People will also be able to meet outdoors in groups of 10, while up to five visitors from another household are allowed to visit another home.
Hospitality will reopen for groups of 10 and will predominantly operate with outdoor dining only while the majority of retail and shopping will open.
Schools will return in a staggered approach, culminating in all students onsite for Term 4 with safety measures.
Weddings will be allowed a 10-person capacity while 20 will be allowed to attend a funeral.
Beauty services will open if face coverings can be worn for the entirety of service.
City border warning to Melbourne residents
Mr Andrews said more vehicles would be stopped at police checkpoints out of Melbourne and he warned there would be long queues as a result.
There are 43 active cases in regional Victoria, while the 14-day average dropped to 3.6 on Tuesday.
There were 42 new cases across the state on Tuesday, with all 42 occurring in metropolitan Melbourne.
Deputy Chief Health Officer Allen Cheng warned communities not to become negligent in their responses.
“We need to continue to be vigilant... workplaces and people need to be aware that if they become unwell, they need to get tested and go home,” he said.
“They need to pay attention to all the hygiene measures and wear masks and so on and observe all the restrictions to be careful.”
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
