Melbourne’s coronavirus lockdown is finally coming to an end — state premier Dan Andrews has confirmed in a heartfelt open letter.
“Over the course of this weekend, we asked Victorians living in our northern suburbs to get tested. They did just that.
“In 24 hours, we have been able to process an addition 14,024 tests — 3196 of them from these communities. This morning we’ve processed an extra 1157. And not a single new case has been found.”
Andrews went on to thank the members of the community, and the essential workers on the frontline who have done everything within their power to help Melbourne recover.
He then confirmed that Melbourne will move out of lockdown.
“Under the Third Step, and from 11:59pm on Tuesday, Melbourne will move from “stay home” to “stay safe”, with no more restrictions on the reasons to leave home.”
Andrews has emphasised that despite Victorians not being required to stay home, a 25-kilometre limit will remain in place to limit “the virus’s ability to travel.”
The proposed plan hopes that from November 8th, if driving case numbers are kept down, the 25-kilometre limit will end and those living in Melbourne and regional Victoria will be able to visit.
Under the new restrictions, cafes, restaurants and pubs across Melbourne will be allowed to reopen with a capacity of 50 outdoors and 20 indoors.
Retail and beauty services will also reopen, alongside gyms and outdoor pools.
“I know personally — deeply — just how much this will mean for thousands of Victorians who haven’t been able to see loved ones for far too long,” he continued.
“It will mean families are whole again. Our state is whole again.”
The Victorian government expressed hope that the state will be able to reach a state of normalcy by Christmastime, and have faith that they’re on the right track.
“It’s why we’ve got to keep going – all of us,” he wrote. “Understanding that even though restrictions may ease, our personal responsibility in all this doesn’t.”
Congratulations Melbourne! crack open a beverage of your choice, you truly have deserved it. You can read Andrews full letter below.
From 11:59pm Tues cafes, pubs, retail, beauty re opens in Melbourne. 25km limit and regional border remains @abcmelbourne #springst pic.twitter.com/2w1P9QdAFB
— Bridget Rollason (@bridgerollo) October 26, 2020
