Restrictions ease in VIC in time for school holidays

Acting Premier James Merlino says Victorians have earned a break, and with school holidays around the corner he’s pleased to announce restrictions in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne will ease from 11.59pm Thursday 24 June.

“We all want to be back at birthdays and BBQs – to see friends, to explore the coast or take the kids on a trip somewhere new. And while it’s hard to know exactly what tomorrow might bring – Victorian families are relying on a little more certainty to help make those plans happen,” Merlino said.

Acting on the advice of the Chief Health Officer, restrictions will ease to allow Victorians to resume some semblance of a normal life.

While masks must continue to be worn in indoor settings, visitors to homes will now be capped at 15 and up to 50 people can gather outside in a public space. Live music is back and it’s game time again for the state’s sporting clubs although sadly for anyone that likes a good boogie, dance floors will remain closed.

What you can and can’t do in Victoria

Funerals and weddings will be capped at 300 people, and hospitality venues can serve up to 300 in Melbourne, but density limits still apply.
Masks must still be worn inside. But more people in metropolitan Melbourne can return to offices, with 75 per cent capacity – or 30 people in a workplace – whichever is greater.
Players, parents and spectators can attend outdoor community sport within the total cap of 1,000 people.
Live music will have greater numbers in pubs, clubs and other hospitality venues across the state too, but dance floors are still closed for now.
Theatres will open at 50 per cent capacity, with up to 1,000 people.
Spectators can attend public events and outdoor stadiums with a limit of 50 per cent or up to 25,000 people.
Restaurants and cafes can now open to a maximum of 300 patrons per venue for seated service, subject to a density quotient of one person per 4 square metres.
Venues smaller than 600 square metres can have one person per 2 square metres, up to 150 patrons, provided that a COVID check-in marshal is present.
Smaller venues will still be able to host up to 25 people before applying the density quotient.

Further easing of restrictions from July 1

From 11:59pm, 1 July, restrictions at venues and stadium will also ease further.

Indoor and outdoor stadiums will be able to increase to 85 per cent of capacity, which includes the MCG, Marvel Stadium and AAMI Park
Theatres will return to 100 per cent capacity.

Melburnians planning a trip to the snow encouraged to get tested

For the next week, we’re recommending that those travelling to Victoria’s alpine region get tested prior departing metropolitan Melbourne, especially if they’re staying overnight,” said Merlino.

“And if you’re taking some time off over the next few weeks, go out and explore your state. Head to the bush, stay at the beach – shop in a small town, and buy Victorian made.

“And everywhere you go, remember to check in using the Service Victoria QR code, this is the seat belt we need as we open up the state.

“But please, if you’re coming from afar, stay away from storm and flood-affected areas in the state’s east. Many roads still aren’t safe, many trees continue to fall, and accommodation is in short supply.”

Have symptoms- get tested

The acting premier said while Victorians all deserve a break and a chance to explore the state, it was essential to remain vigilant of even the slightest symptoms.

“Please remember – if you have even the mildest of symptoms, get tested. If you’re catching up with mates and you’ve got a sore throat – go another night. If you’re heading to the shops and you’ve got a runny nose – just order it online. And if you’re finally seeing Mum and you’ve got a cough – remember who it is you’ve made all these sacrifices for.

“Whatever your plans are, it’s not worth risking everything we’ve achieved – please get tested. Victorians have worked so incredibly hard to get to this point. So, let’s protect it. For ourselves – and for each other.”