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'Not freedom day': Warning as Victoria eases lockdown restrictions

There’s been some positive news for Melbourne residents with restrictions easing as the state reaches 80 per cent single vaccination doses.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced a “modest” change effective from 11.59pm on Tuesday which will see residents able to enjoy “contactless” outdoor sport including golf, tennis and boating.

“They are modest things, it’s not Freedom Day, it’s not the end of the lockdown. That is getting closer every day though,” he said.

Up to five people will be able to exercise with a trainer outside as long as they are all fully vaccinated. Residents will be able to travel up to 15km away from home – an increase from 10km.

Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews speaks in Melbourne, Australia.
Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a number of 'modest' changes to restrictions. Source: Getty Images

Regional Victoria will also see residents enjoy outdoor gatherings of up to 30 people, up from 20 people.

There was also good news for the city of Geelong, which will be released from lockdown at midnight despite the diagnosis of six new cases on Saturday.

"There are still cases there and perhaps in another environment in previous times, we would have stayed in lockdown to drive those numbers down to a hard zero," Deputy Chief Health Officer Deb Friedman said.

"But that's no longer in line with our management of this virus, under the national plan."

A general view of the city of Melbourne from Elwood Beach in Melbourne, Australia.
Residents sit at Elwood Beach. Source: Getty Images

Restrictions will also ease on the state's Surf Coast from midnight on Sunday, but the Mitchell Shire will remain in lockdown.

Victoria recorded 779 new cases of community-transmitted coronavirus on Sunday.

with AAP

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