The epidemic lockdown was lifted across the State on Tuesday night (27 July) following a reduction in community transmission of COVID-19 and advice from the Chief Health Officer.
Premier, Daniel Andrews said Victorians were now able to leave their homes for any reason and restaurants and cafes could reopen for seated service.
Mr Andrews said retail, beauty and personal care, as well as entertainment venues and community facilities could reopen in line with density limits.
“The Authorised Worker List will no longer apply, meaning businesses and venues can reopen with capacity and density limits of one person per four square metres,” Mr Andrews said.
“Victoria will return to the rule that ‘if you can work from home, you should work from home’ but office workers will be able to return up to 25 per cent or up to 10 people, whichever is greater,” he said.
“Public gatherings will be allowed with up to 10 people, with infants under 12 months not included in the cap.”
Mr Andrews said that, due to the significant transmission risk observed throughout the pandemic, gatherings in the home were still not permitted.
The Premier said a maximum of 50 people were permitted at weddings, while funerals were also capped at 50 mourners, plus those conducting the funeral.
“Masks will continue to be required everywhere indoors and outdoors (except private residences), unless an exception applies,” he said.
“Results from a recent Burnet Institute study show that masks played a huge role in slowing the spread of the virus in 2020 – and they will be an important part of our defences against the virus for some time to come.”
Mr Andrews said changes would also be made to tighten Victoria’s cross-border bubble with NSW due to the high case numbers in Sydney and the risk of another significant incursion from the State.
Further information on COVID-19 health restrictions can be accessed on the State’s COVID-19 information website at this PS News link.
