These youngsters lost no time taking advantage of the move to Step 2 on Monday, playing happily at the newly reopened park at Grayden Reserve in Newhaven. The move to Step 3 comes into effect from midnight tonight. Hanging about are Kai and Lila, while underneath at the door and window are Luis, Joey and Layla. Baby Oakley (at the rear) was too busy crawling and exploring to pose for a photo!
From midnight tonight (September 16), Bass Coast, along with the rest of regional Victoria, moves to Step 3 in the state government roadmap.
The news means families and friends will be able to meet again – both at home and outdoors, with no restrictions on leaving home and up to five people allowed to your home, within a “household bubble”.
Businesses can reopen their doors, but anyone who can work from home must continue to do so.
Cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants will also be able to serve up to 20 patrons inside, across two areas. The 20-person rule is subject to several conditions, including a maximum of 10 people per area and subject to the four-square metre per person rule.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said he was very happy with the announcement.
“It’s great our businesses can concentrate on getting themselves re-established, and council is committed to helping businesses move forward.”
Cr Tessari said, like most people in the community, he was looking forward to reconnecting with family.
“It’s such a relief to be able to go and visit again and have visitors around. I’ve missed my mother having an 80th birthday celebration and like many people, haven’t been able to attend funerals.
“To be able to get back to a certain amount of normality is a great relief.”
The Mayor said he was also happy to hear the Premier announce there were going to be strict controls on the border between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Border controls will be strengthened said the Premier, to prevent the virus moving from the city to regional Victoria. This includes extra roadblocks and more cars being pulled over. There will be increased fines for anyone visiting the regions without a valid reason.
No one is permitted to go to their second residence in regional Victoria, with the Premier saying to do so was “unlawful and should not be happening”.
Regional Victorians will be able to travel within the regions.
It is still mandatory to wear a mask outside your home and social distancing requirements remain in place.
What’s Step 3
The key points:
- No restrictions on leaving home
- Up to 10 people can meet outdoors
- Household bubbles with one nominated household, allowing up to five visitors from that household at a time.
- Childcare and early learning centres open
- Schools return
- Hospitality open – with predominantly outdoor seated service and a maximum of 20 indoors across two areas, subject to density rules
- Retail open, including hairdressers and beauty salons (only services were a mask can be worn)
- Private inspections for real estate
- Outdoor contact and non-contact sport for under 18s
- Outdoor non-contact sport for adults
- Outdoor skateparks and fitness areas reopen
- Increased limits for weddings and funerals
- Travel within regional Victoria allowed
- Accommodation open (caps per the social bubble)
- Some outdoor venues and events to return, subject to pre-approved plans
Details at: www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-victoria
