Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino on Wednesday announced the state is taking a big step forward so that every Victorian can get together and spend more time together.
From tomorrow (Thursday, June 24), on the advice of the Chief Health Officer, restrictions in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne will ease from 11.59pm.
Private visitors to the home will increase from two in Melbourne, and five in regional Victoria 15 across the entire state – and up to 50 people can gather outside in a public place like a park.
Funerals and weddings will be capped at 300 people, and hospitality venues can serve up to 300 in Melbourne, but density limits still apply.
Masks must still be worn inside. But more people in metropolitan Melbourne can return to offices, with 75 per cent capacity – or 30 people in a workplace – whichever is greater.
Players, parents and spectators can attend outdoor community sport within the total cap of 1,000 people.
And live music will have greater numbers in pubs, clubs and other hospitality venues across the state too, but dance floors are still closed for now.
Theatres will initially open at 50 per cent capacity, with up to 1,000 people. And this weekend crowds can attend public events and outdoor stadiums with a limit of 50 per cent, or up to 25,000 people.
But, subject to epidemiology and the advice of the Chief Health Officer, from 11:59pm, 1 July, they’ll be able to host even bigger numbers:
That means 100 per cent capacity at shows like Frozen at Her Majesty’s Theatre, and Harry Potter at the Princess Theatre.
And indoor and outdoor stadiums will be able to increase to 85 per cent capacity – so that includes the MCG, Marvel Stadium, and AAMI Park.
However, for the next week, the government is recommending that those travelling to Victoria’s alpine region get tested prior departing metropolitan Melbourne, especially if they’re staying overnight.
And these changes won’t just last a week – they’ll remain in place for at least two weeks’ time, meaning Victorians can plan and get back to doing the things they love, an official statement from Acting Premier said.
With school holidays just around the corner, the easing of restrictions comes as a good news as families deserve the certainty they need to plan ahead.
(Media release)
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