By Jed Lanyon
Premier Daniel Andrews announced a further easing of coronavirus restrictions on Sunday 18 October as metropolitan Melbourne’s daily case numbers continue to improve.
From 11.59pm on 18 October, the five kilometre bubble has been expanded to travel up to 25 kilometres from your home or permitted workplace within metropolitan Melbourne.
The two hour time limit for exercise has been scrapped, while there are no longer limits on the number of times you can leave home.
Socialising will remain outdoors as Melburnians can meet in a group of up to ten people from a maximum of two households outdoors in a public place. An outdoor public place means areas accessible to everyone, including local parks and beaches. This replaces the limit of five people from a maximum of two households.
Hairdressers, mobile or home business pet grooming will return as well as outdoor photography.
Subject to Covid-safe conditions, outdoor sports settings such as golf courses, skate parks and tennis courts will reopen.
Real estate auctions will be allowed with up to 10 people, plus the minimum number of people required to conduct the auction, while commercial real estate inspections can occur.
Outdoor pools will be able to host 30 swimmers and indoor pools can open for one-on-one hydrotherapy with a health professional.
Non-essential outdoor home maintenance, repairs, renovations and house painting can occur with a maximum of five workers.
“Back in August and at our peak, we reported 725 daily cases. At the same time, the UK recorded 891,” Mr Andrews said.
“Today, as Victoria records two new cases, the UK hit 16,171. And as we continue easing our restrictions – they are being forced to increase theirs.
“We are seeing states and cities, not so different from our own, overwhelmed by their second wave. Doctors and nurses being asked to decide which of their patients are most worthy of their care. And communities – entire countries – confronting the reality that this will be “normal” until there is a vaccine. We have escaped that awful eventuality. With modest acts of greatness and kindness, we have endured this – together.”
The Premier announced further restrictions will ease from 11.59pm on 1 November.
The four reasons to leave home will no longer apply and households will be able to host two people and their dependents once a day.
Subject to strict Covid-safe conditions, restaurants, bars and pubs will be allowed to reopen with a maximum of 20 people for indoor dining and 50 for outdoor dining.
all remaining retail will reopen, while personal and beauty services will return with face masks required.
Outdoor seated entertainment can host a maximum of 50 people, or 25 per cent of the venue’s fixed capacity, while funerals and outdoor religious gatherings can be attended by 20 people and 10 people will be permitted at weddings.
Contact sport for under 18-year-olds, and non-contact sports for adults, will recommence.
For more information, visit: dhhs.vic.gov.au
