Tara Murray
Metro Melbourne will have more freedoms from Friday after acting premier James Merlino announced that COVID-19 restrictions would be eased.
Mr Merlino announced on Wednesday morning that changes for both metro and regional restrictions will come into effect from 11.59pm on Thursday.
In metro Melbourne, the five reasons to leave home will be scrapped. The existing 10-kilometre travel limit will be increased to 25 kilometres, with work, education, care and caregiving and getting vaccinated are the only reasons to go beyond the 25-kilometre zone.
Travel into regional Victoria to visit family and friends or take a holiday remains off-limits.
Outdoor gatherings are increased to 10 people, but visitors still aren’t allowed inside houses.
Masks are still required to be worn inside, and when outside and socially distancing isn’t possible.
Schools will be able to resume face-to-face learning for all students from Friday, with cafes, restaurants and pubs allowed to open with density limits in place.
Hairdressing, beauty and personal care can resume, weddings will be limited to 10 people, and funerals a limit of 50.
Swimming pools, entertainment venues and community facilities can also open subject to density limits.
Community sport training sessions can resume.
Mr Merlino said that while we have achieved so much, that this isn’t over.
“Thanks doesn’t seem enough, but I’ll say it anyway,” he said.
“To every Victorian for following the rules, for doing the right thing, and for doing it with kindness and compassion – thank you.
“For staying home and staying safe. For ordering in and taking out. For Zoom calls and virtual catchups. And for looking out for each other.
“As much as we’ve achieved – this isn’t over. And it’s up to all of us to protect this precious thing we’ve worked so hard for.”
Mr Merlino also announced that the state government would extend its support for closed businesses, with a further $2000 top-up payment available.
Mr Merlino flagged that further changes would come into place next week if things continued to improve, including allowing people from Melbourne to head to regional locations.
Other changes could include further easing restrictions on venues and getting community sport back.
