In his latest press conference, Melbourne Premier Dan Andrews today announced that cinemas across Victoria are finally reopening.
That’s right, Victorian cinephiles can breathe a sigh of relief with the news that indoor entertainment venues will be permitted to reopen from tonight.
In a statement, Andrews explained that venues including “movie theatres, galleries, museums and music halls” will be allowed to operate with a maximum of 20 people per space.
The news comes off the back of a slew of previously announced changes, including the removal of Melbourne’s 25km travel rule.
From midnight tonight, the border between Melbourne and regional Victoria will also be scrapped.
The reopening of Melbourne cinemas is one of many eased restrictions outlined today, with changes to both public and private gatherings also set to take place.
As of today, all hospitality venues across the state will be allowed to host 40 people inside, and 70 outside.
As reported by 9 News, faith gatherings will be permitted to increase to 50 people outdoors and 20 inside, with the same limits applying to funerals.
Along with indoor entertainment venues, gyms and indoor pools will also be allowed to operate across Melbourne.
Meanwhile, casinos will be allowed to have 10 people per room, with a maximum of 10 separate rooms to be used at one time.
Those who have been praying for a getaway are also in luck, as accomodation throughout the state will be open to bookings from members of a single household, intimate partners, or members of a household plus two adults and any dependents.
The limit on people visiting each other’s homes remains at two adults plus any dependent children, but said people are now able to visit at separate times on the same day.
Along with the immediate changes, Andrews also outlined further easing of restrictions set to take place on Sunday, November 22nd.
From that date, homes will be able to host up to ten visitors per day, while hospitality limits will in creased to 100 people indoors and 200 outdoors.
Along with hospitality venues, indoor entertainment venues will also be allowed to host up to 100 people, as will gyms (with a maximum of 20 people per class).
In what is no doubt welcome news for those who have put their big day on hold, weddings will also be allowed to accomodate up to 100 guests.
As reported by 9 News, Andrews declared today a “day to be optmistic” about what the future holds for Victorians.
“Today is a day to be optimistic. Today is a day to be proud as Victorians of what we have been able to achieve. There has been a lot of pain and hurt and there is a need for healing, for investment, for all sorts of repair,” he said.
