Melbourne eases its lockdown from tonight, but restrictions remain

Greater Melbourne comes out of its current lockdown tonight (Thursday) just before midnight, but the city’s embattled residents are not out of the woods just yet.

Travel from the city to regional Victoria, for example, is still not allowed for at least another week after authorities recorded a further new case of Covid-19.

People are restricted to movement within 25km of their home, meaning that meaningful travel for the upcoming Queen’s Birthday long weekend is impossible.

“The only reasons to go further than 25 km will be work, education, care and caregiving, and getting vaccinated. And travel into regional Victoria to visit family and friends or take a holiday still remains a no go – for now,” Victoria’s Acting Premier, James Merlino, said.

Still no visitors to the home, says Acting Premier

“We’re also still not in a position to be able to have visitors to our home, but outdoor gatherings will be increased to a maximum of 10 people. And mask rules will be eased slightly – required inside, and outdoors when 1.5 metres isn’t possible.”

In good news for families, schools will be able to resume face-to-face learning for all students from tomorrow.

Cafes, restaurants and pubs will open – with strict safety measures like density limits, seated service and QR codes in place. Remaining retail will also open. Hairdressing, beauty and personal care can resume, but only for services where masks can be kept on.

Weddings will be limited to 10 people, and funerals to no more than 50. Fifty people will also be the limit on religious gatherings. Swimming pools, entertainment venues and community facilities will also open, subject to density limits.

Advice is to rather work from home if you can

“When it comes to work, there’ll no longer be a list – but if you can work from home, you should,” the Acting Premier said.

“We also recognise that even with eased restrictions, some businesses still won’t be able to open. It’s why we’ll extend our support for closed businesses with a further $2,000 top-up payment.”

In regional Victoria, restrictions will also ease. Visitors to the home are allowed – limited to two people and their dependants – once per day. Public outdoor gatherings will be limited to 20 people.

There’ll also be increases to the capacity limits at places such as restaurants, entertainment venues, community facilities and religious gatherings. Indoor sport, including gyms, will also be able to reopen with careful limits on the number of people permitted at any time.