Covid update - restrictions set to further ease

James Merlino, the Acting Victorian Premier announced today that restrictions are set to further ease this week.

"With school holidays just around the corner, families deserve the certainty they need to plan ahead," Mr Merlino said.

"On the advice of the Chief Health Officer, restrictions in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne will ease from 11.59pm Thursday 24 June.

"And these changes won't just last a week – they'll remain in place for at least two weeks' time, meaning Victorians can plan and get back to doing the things they love."

The changes include increasing visitor numbers in your home to 15 (in metro and regional areas), while up to 50 people can gather outside in a public space like a park.

Funerals and weddings will be capped at 300 people, and hospitality venues can serve up to 300 in Melbourne, but density limits still apply.

Masks must still be worn inside.

Players, parents and spectators can attend outdoor community sport within the total cap of 1,000 people.

And live music will have greater numbers in pubs, clubs and other hospitality venues across the state too, but dance floors are still closed for now.

Theatres will initially open at 50 per cent capacity, with up to 1000 people. And this weekend crowds can attend public events and outdoor stadiums with a limit of 50 per cent, or up to 25,000 people.

But, subject to epidemiology and the advice of the Chief Health Officer, from 11:59pm, 1 July, they'll be able to host even bigger numbers:

That means 100 per cent capacity at shows like Frozen at Her Majesty's Theatre, and Harry Potter at the Princess Theatre.

And indoor and outdoor stadiums will be able to increase to 85 per cent capacity – so that includes the MCG, Marvel Stadium, and AAMI Park.

For the next week, the government recommends everyone travelling to Victoria's alpine region from Melbourne gets tested prior departing, especially if they’re staying overnight.

Mr Merlino urged everyone to remember to check in using the QR Code.

"And while we all deserve a break and a chance to explore our state, please remember – if you have even the mildest of symptoms, get tested.
"If you’re catching up with mates and you’ve got a sore throat – go another night. If you’re heading to the shops and you’ve got a runny nose – just order it online.

"And if you’re finally seeing Mum and you’ve got a cough – remember who it is you’ve made all these sacrifices for.

"Whatever your plans are, it’s not worth risking everything we’ve achieved – please get tested."
 

You can find the latest information on Victoria's Covid restrictions at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19