Esther Lauaki
By Esther Lauaki
Thousands of Brimbank employees will return to work this week as the state moves another step closer to COVID normal.
Metropolitan Melbourne took its second step towards reopening on Sunday, allowing permitted industries to return workplaces after the state government eased more restrictions as case numbers continue to fall.
On Sunday, Melbourne’s rolling case average dropped to 22.1 – a week ahead of scheduled projections.
Active cases in Brimbank plummeted to 55 on Sunday – 50 down on the week before.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the latest modelling showed that the state’s strategy was working.
“I can confirm, again on the advice of our public health team, that we are further ahead than we’d hoped for,” Mr Andrews said.
“Not only have we been able to drive down cases from the hundreds – we’re well on track to hit single digits in the next few weeks.
“That allows us to make some small, but significant changes.”
The workforce limits for some industries will be expanded with supermarkets and food distribution centres returning to full capacity.
Abattoirs, seafood and meat processing plants will also increase to 80 per cent capacity.
Childcare also reopens without permits.
The curfew has been lifted under the new change, while the fine for gatherings, having visitors to homes or meeting outdoors in big groups has increased to almost $5000.
Groups of five people from no more than two households can socialise outdoors for two hours.
Onsite learning for VCE, VCAL will resume on October 5 while primary school pupils will go back to face-to-face learning from October 12.
Apprentices and uni students in their final year of study are able to attend onsite learning and assessment where necessary.
Outdoor pools will open this week, private inspections for real estate and weddings can take place with up to five people, and the rules around visiting hospitals and care facilities are also slightly relaxed.
Mr Andrews said moving to the third and last steps out of COVID would no longer be defined by dates but would be reviewed based solely on reaching case number targets.
“None of these changes though are a sign we can take our foot off the pedal,” he said.
“Every day, every Victorian is getting us that much closer to the other side.
“Whether you call it the final quarter, the home stretch, or the last push – we’re nearly there.”
Movement between steps will be spaced at least three weeks apart and review of the next step will be made by October 19.
