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Covid restrictions will ease again, with Melburnians able to travel to regional Victoria from Friday.

The new rules come into effect from 11.59pm on Thursday (June 17) and provide some welcome news for regional business and residents as well.

The regional changes include an increase in the number of patrons at restaurants and bars, gyms and indoor sports venues (within density limits). We can also have five visitors in our homes.

The Acting Premier, James Merlino said because there were still active cases in Melbourne, some restrictions would remain in place and "it’s important to note that there are still some differences between regional and metropolitan settings".

"We have not seen cases at all in regional Victoria. But knowing what we do about how infectious the Delta and Kappa strains are, and how quickly we saw them move through the community prior to the lockdown, we must remain vigilant.

"We want to keep regional Victoria virus free – that’s why the public health team have recommended slightly stronger settings for Melbourne as extra protection while we run down any remaining cases."

He said the changes meant people would now be able to travel across the state, but also recognised that the majority of interactions in regional Victoria will be between regional Victorians.

Melbournians travelling to the snow this season, will need to get a COVID test within 72 hours of departing for Victoria’s alpine resorts, and a negative result.

He stressed the need for ongoing vigilance.

"It’s no exaggeration to say the single most important thing every single Victorian can do is to get tested as soon as they have even the mildest of symptoms. As we head deeper into winter – this becomes more important than ever.

"We can’t assume that a scratchy throat is the sign of a winter cold. Find out for sure – get tested."

Full details will be available at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/how-we-live shortly.

In the meantime, the ABC has put together this handy pocket-guide to the latest restrictions.