Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, on Sunday revealed the state’s plan towards easing Covid-19 restrictions. As per his announcement, Metropolitan Melbourne will spend two additional weeks under Stage 4 restrictions, however with some easing.
Melbourne’s current six week hard lockdown was supposed to end on Sunday, 13th Sept, 2020. The state’s decision to add two weeks will place an economically battered Melbourne (and Victoria) under Stage 4 restrictions until 27th Sept, 2020.
However, some restrictions are to eased from 13th September (09:00 p.m. AEST) in Metropolitan Melbourne:
Social Bubble
For individuals living on their own, the government has decided to allow to form a social bubble.
According to Premier Andrews, “Singles, those who live alone, will be able to partner up with somebody else and they will be able to visit each other”.
“The 5-kilometre rule will not apply but the curfew will,” he added.
Besides the social bubble, from 13th Sept, 2020, the curfew will be eased and it will be expanded to 9:00pm.
Playgrounds will reopen. Exercise will be increased to two hours per day. Public outdoor gatherings of two people will be allowed or a household for up to two hours, not the one hour of exercise
Residents will still however, need to stay within 5 kilometres of their homes unless going out for shopping, exercise, care-giving purposes or permitted.
Regional Victoria:
Meanwhile, regional Victoria, currently undergoing Stage 3 restrictions, will be able to see relatively more ease on restrictions following Sept 13:
Schools will start returning to onsite learning for all students in term 4. Safety measures are to be in place.
Public gatherings of up to five people from up to two households will be allowed. Outdoor religious gatherings of up to five people one one faith leader will also be allowed.
Outdoor playgrounds and outdoor pools will be allowed to open.
