Melbourne’s night-time curfew has been axed, as Victoria takes earlier-than-expected steps towards easing coronavirus restrictions.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced the curfew, which has been covering the hours of 9pm to 5am in Melbourne, will end at 5am on Monday, September 28th.
The changes were announced on Sunday, as Victoria recorded just 16 cases, with the number of active cases in the state falling to below 400 for the first time since the second wave began to spike out of control on June 14.
“I’m not only proud of the Victorian community, I am deeply grateful for the amazing work, the sacrifice, the pain that they have enjoyed and will need to endure for a bit longer in order to defeat this second wave and then open up and stay open,” Andrews said.
“I’m not only proud of the Victorian community, I am deeply grateful for the amazing work, the sacrifice, the pain that they have enjoyed and will need to endure for a bit longer in order to defeat this second wave and then open up and stay open.”
Vic Premier @DanielAndrewsMP says there are now fewer than 400 active #COVID19Vic cases in the state .. the first time in about three months since we’ve been under that number.
— Tyson Shine (@theshineline) September 27, 2020
Despite the good news, there are still many restrictions remaining, include the wearing of fitted face masks.
Premier Andrews noted that face shields, bandanas and scarves will no longer be considered appropriate protection. Victorians will have a two-week period to get used to the new requirements.
“People have been amazing with this. There‘s been a few cases of people who for whatever reason refuse to wear masks but the vast majority of people, not just in Melbourne, but regional Victoria, they see it as, not something anyone is happy to do, but they see it as something that’s possible and you get a significant benefit from that,” he said.
Anyone caught not wearing a face mask after the transition period outside of their home will be fined $200.
As well as the curfew being lifted, other changes include:
- 127K worders can return to industries including food processing
- Primary school kids can return to schools beginning October 12.
- Childcare centres will open for all children.
- Hiking, fishing and other exercises will be allowed for two hours, within 5km of your home.
Just a few days ago, Mashd N Kutcher gave a special update featuring their Dan Andrews ‘Get On The Beers’ remix to celebrate a $9 million fund for live venues across Victoria.
https://www.facebook.com/mashdnkutcher/posts/1669342469901593
