WOOHOO! From Midnight tonight, Melburnians are being given a path to freedom, after recording no new COVID-19 cases for the first time since June, for now, two days running and it’s absolutely fantastic!
The phrase “you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone” has hit pretty hard recently, to say the least, with strict lockdowns and restrictions putting an abrupt hold on pretty much everything in our lives.
And nowhere in Australia, and potentially the world, knows lockdown better than those living in VIC right now.
Victoria has been hit the hardest during these crazy times and, despite the incredibly tough situation, has remained strong, optimistic, and all-around incredible… and for that… we thank each and every one of you.
The easing of restrictions
After 12 weeks and one day of hard lockdown (the worlds longest btw), at midnight tonight, Melbourne is finally being given a break.
As the clock strikes twelve, two adults, plus any dependents who cannot be left alone, will be able to visit friends or family within Victoria, and although pre-COVID this might sound like a normal thing, right now, what must only seem like a lifetime staying at home for the safety for all, THIS IS EPIC and we are so stoked for all of our industry Victorian friends.
OH YES!
This is the deal, from 11:59pm on Tuesday, October 27:
- Melbourne moves from a “stay at home” to a “stay safe” footing, meaning there will no longer be any restrictions on people leaving their homes.
- All retail will re-open.
- Cafes, pubs, and restaurants can re-open with 50 people outdoors and 20 people indoors.
- Food courts can open, with an indoor seating maximum of two people per table.
- Venues will be limited to the lesser of 25 per cent of a venue’s fixed seating capacity; or a density quotient of one person per eight square metres.
- Outdoor dining will reopen, with a maximum of 50 diners per area, in groups of 10 people, with each area separated by 10 metres from the next.
- Beauty services – where people can wear a mask – can reopen.
- Libraries and community venues can reopen for outdoor events.
- Outdoor gatherings will still have a cap of 10 people, although they can be from more than two households.
- Weddings can have up to 10 people, while funerals can have up to 20 people.
- Libraries and toy libraries will be open for collections and return only.
- A maximum of 10 people, plus a faith leader, will be able to gather to worship. Outdoors, there can be a maximum of 20 people, plus one faith leader, in religious and faith gatherings.
- Outdoor community sport for under-18s and outdoor non-contact sport for adults will restart.
- Outdoor personal training and physical education will be allowed among a household, or in groups of up to 10 people, plus instructors.
- Outdoor fitness or dance classes will be open for up to 10 people not including the trainer.
- Drive-in cinemas will reopen, as long as you can stay in your car.
How good is that?
#TogetherInTravel Victoria
To all of our Victorian #TogetherInTravel legends… we’d like to say a huge THANK YOU! for all of the sacrifices you’ve had to make for the benefit of all of us.
“I never thought this day would come. I got the feeling like I just won a famil to Europe now I’m allowed to travel farther than 25km!”
Jake Cassar, via Facebook
The time has come to get your businesses moving again and we have no doubt that with your strength, dedication, passion, and resilience, you’re going to do amazing things.
Sure, it’s going to be a long road to recovery, but onwards and upwards we go together now.
“So so many tears
today is a good day”
Amanda Beth, via Facebook
Now, go and have a celebratory drink of your choice.
We cannot wait to see you again soon.