COVID-19 rules: ‘Big steps’ for Victoria as restrictions ease

Gathering restrictions are set to ease significantly as Victoria moves to the next stage of rule easing.

It comes as Victoria records a 37th consecutive day without a new coronavirus case.

Announcing the changes, Premier Daniel Andrews said they are “big steps … to a COVID-safe summer”.

WHAT CHANGED AT 11.59PM ON DECEMBER 6:

HOME VISITS:  30 guests may visit a home in a day.

OUTDOOR GATHERINGS: Up to 100 people from any number of households permitted to gather.

WEDDINGS, FUNERALS, RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES: One person per two square metre applies, no max capacity. On dancefloors, a capacity limit of one person per four square metres is in place with a maximum of 50 people permitted. If held in a household, home visit rules apply.

MASKS: Must be carried at all times. Must be worn at indoor shopping centres, supermarkets and department stores and at indoor markets. Must be worn on public transport and in commercial passenger vehicles. Strongly recommended in other settings where 1.5m rule cannot be followed.

HOSPITALITY: Density restrictions ease to one person per two square metres for indoor and outdoor venues, no maximum capacity number. Up to 25 patrons permitted before density limit comes into force. Standing service is permitted. All venues are required to use electronic record keeping when applying the density quotient of one per two square metres. In venues not using electronic record a density quotient of one per four square metres applies.

NIGHTCLUBS: Subject to one person per two square metres. On dancefloors, a capacity limit of one person per four square metres is in place with a maximum of 50 people permitted.

RETAIL: Moves to density limit of one person per two square metres. Electronic record keeping required where practical.

BEAUTY, HAIRDRESSING AND PERSONAL CARE: Moves to density limit of one person per two square metres when using electronic record keeping. In venues not using electronic record a density quotient of one per four square metres applies. Face masks no longer required.

INDOOR PHYSICAL RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SPORT: No patron caps with a density quotient of one per four square metres for each space. Gym and exercise classes limited to 50 people (excluding anyone necessary for running the class). COVID Marshals required when gyms are staffed. At times when gyms are unstaffed, a density quotient of one person per eight square metres applies.

OUTDOOR PHYSICAL RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SPORT: Up to a maximum of 100 patrons for outdoor fitness classes with a density quotient of one per two square metres. Record keeping is required and venues with capacity of greater than 500 patrons must publish a COVIDSafe Plan online.

REAL ESTATE: Inspections and auctions operating with a density quotient of one per two square metres, subject to use of electronic record keeping. If not using electronic record keeping a density quotient of one per four square metres.

SEATED ENTERTAINMENT VENUES (INDOOR AND OUTDOOR): Open with up to 75 per cent of fixed seated capacity with maximum patron cap of 1000 people. Density quotient of one person per square metre in foyers, bars, bathrooms etc when using electronic record keeping. In venues not using electronic record a density quotient of one per four square metres applies. Venues with capacity of greater than 500 patrons must publish a COVIDSafe Plan online.

INDOOR NON-SEATED VENUES (SUCH AS GALLERIES): Open with up to 50 per cent total capacity with maximum patron cap of 1000 people. Density quotient of one per two square metres applies when using electronic record keeping. In venues not using electronic record a density quotient of one per four square metres applies. Venues with capacity of greater than 500 patrons must publish a COVIDSafe Plan online.

OUTDOOR NON-SEATED VENUES (SUCH AS ZOOS): Open, density quotient of one per two square metres applies when using electronic record keeping. In venues not using electronic record a density quotient of one per four square metres applies. Group limits removed. Indoor spaces at outdoor venues open, subject to restrictions relevant to the space (e.g. hospitality or retail). Venues with capacity of greater than 500 patrons must publish a COVIDSafe Plan online.

CARE FACILITIES AND HOSPITALS: No restrictions on purpose, number or time limits of visits.

WHAT CHANGES ON JANUARY 11:

OFFICES: Private sector office-based workplaces move to 50 per cent of employee capacity from Monday, January 11.

Image: SOPA Images / Getty