Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has announced a host of changes to the state’s lockdown regulations. Victorians can have 20 people in their homes from Monday, June 1st, while outdoor playgrounds, skateparks and gym equipment will reopen on Tuesday, May 26th.
Andrews explains the new changes are underpinned by one key principle. “By limiting the number of people moving around our state – we can limit the spread of this virus,” he says in a new statement. This means the advice to work from home remains. “One of our most important messages to Victorians is this: if you are working from home, you must keep working from home – at least until the end of June.”
Outdoor playgrounds, skateparks and outdoor communal gym equipment will reopen on Tuesday, May 26th. From Monday, June 1st Victorians will be able to have a total of 20 people in their homes (meaning guests plus residents can’t exceed 20). 20 guests will now be allowed at weddings – so, 23 when you include celebrant and couple – and 50 people can attend a funeral.
Outdoor gatherings will also increase to 20 and overnight stays can resume at private residences. More significant, however, is the fact that overnight stays in accommodation will be permitted from June 1st. Campgrounds and caravan parks will also reopen, however communal facilities (kitchens, bathrooms etc) will stay closed.
A number of community facilities will also be reopening, including libraries, youth centres and men’s sheds and arts and crafts classes. No more than 20 people will be allowed in a single area in any of these places. Galleries, museums, drive-in cinemas, zoos and outdoor amusement parks will be also be able to open their doors from June 1st.
“A limit of up to 20 patrons per space will apply, and indoor venues will be required to keep customer contact details,” says Andrews. The 20 person rule also applies to swimming pools and community sporting activities, “provided the sport is outdoors, non-competition, non-contact, and people are able to play 1.5 metres apart.”
Also green lit in the 20-person announcement are beauty and personal care services, auctions and open for inspections and non-food and drink market stalls.
“If community transmission rates continue to remain low and testing rates continue to remain high, we will look to further relax restrictions from 22 June,” says Andrews. The current plan for Monday, June 22nd is to allow 50 people in restaurants, cafes, galleries, museums, cinemas and theatres.
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