WE’RE BACK BABY! Victoria’s five-day snap lockdown lifts tonight, right on time. Premier Daniel Andrews announced the sweet, sweet news on Wednesday morning, sharing an update to the state’s COVID restrictions. So, here’s what you need to know about life in Victoria from 11.59pm tonight (February 17).
What can I leave home for after lockdown lifts?
Basically anything! From 11.59pm, there will be no restrictions to leave home.
Can my mates come over again?
They sure can – well, you’re allowed up to five friends from any number of households. Front and backyards are considered part of the home, by the way.
Are schools opening?
Yep! This applies to childcare and early education centres, schools, and adult education institutes across Victoria.
What about outdoor gatherings?
Outdoor gathering limits have been capped at 20 people from any number of households. Picnic, picnic, PICNIC.
Do I still have to wear a face mask?
You sure do. Face masks must be carried at all times and you must wear them inside (unless you’re at home) and outdoors when you can’t maintain the 1.5m physical distancing rule.
The government also strongly recommends wearing a mask when visitors attend your home.
Can I return to the office (and water my dead plant)?
For offices, both public and private, on-site office work has been capped at no more than 50 per cent. So yes, you can head back in as long as you follow this rule.
What about retail and eating/drinking out?
Retail and hospitality will reopen to the same density limits as last week: 1 per 2 square metres.
Up to 25 patrons are permitted in a venue before the density limit applies.
For indoor venues that don’t use electronic record keeping, the 1 per 4 square metre rule applies.
Are haircuts all good?
The density limit also applies to hairdressing, beauty, and personal care services when using electronic record keeping. If not, then the 1 per 4 square metre rule applies.
Face masks must be worn, but can be removed for beauty services.
Can I visit a loved one in aged care/hospital?
“We can’t fully relax the rules in our hospitals and aged care homes yet,” Andrews said during his presser today. “Instead, we’ll limit visits to one household per day and some specific exceptions.”
Again, only one household may visit a patient once a day.
You can find/squint at the full outline of the rules below.
Summary of what’s changing from 11:59pm tonight: pic.twitter.com/gZUDPYrXpG
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) February 16, 2021
