What are the new coronavirus rules for Victoria

By Mathew DunckleyUpdated September 16, 2021 â€" 9.57pmfirst published at 12.42pm

The Victorian government has announced some slight changes to coronavirus restrictions in Melbourne to apply from 11.59pm on Friday.

Most of the existing rules remain in place under what Premier Daniel Andrews described as a “modest” change to lockdown restrictions.

There were changes to the rules both in Melbourne and regional Victoria. The Melbourne rule changes are detailed first and then regional restrictions added below.

Rules for MelbourneGatherings

Outdoor social gatherings, such as picnics, will be added to the list of reasons to leave the home. These gatherings will be allowed for up to five people from two households but only if those over 18 years of age have had two vaccination shots. The limit does not include dependants.

The gathering limit will be two people for those who are unvaccinated or have had one vaccine dose.

Exercise and recreation

Two people will be able to meet outdoors with a personal trainer, at skate parks and outdoor communal exercise equipment will also reopen.

At indoor physical recreation and sport venues, up to five people are allowed to be involved in broadcast activities.

Golf and tennis remain off limits. Mr Andrews said present case numbers did not allow for more outdoor recreation.

Time and distance limits

The time limit for venturing outside the home for exercise will increase from two hours to four hours.

The five-kilometre limit on most movement outside the home increases to 10 kilometres.

Exceptions to the distance rule include returning home from a primary residence, visiting an intimate partner or person in your singles bubble, authorised work (except construction), caring and getting a COVID-19 vaccination.

Curfew

The curfew from 9pm to 5am will remain. He apologised to Victorians “if they’re inconvenienced” by not being able to shop for groceries, or exercise after 9pm.

“This works, and I’ve got no advice to take it off, and therefore it remains on,” Mr Andrews said.

Masks

The rules on masks have not changed, so they must be carried at all times outside the home and worn in all indoor and outdoor settings for anyone over 12 years of age.

Property

Real estate inspections will resume by appointment only. The current occupant cannot be present and the real estate agent must remain outside.

Real estate auctions remain available only remotely.

Entertainment

Up to five people will be able to attend a venue (indoor fixed-seated, outdoor fixed-seated, non-seated indoor and non-seated outdoor) to broadcast a performance.

Construction

Construction workers will need to be vaccinated if they want to keep working.

Workers in the industry will need to show evidence to their employer that they have had a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by 11.59pm on Thursday, September 23.

Limited medical exemptions and proof-of-booking exceptions will apply, in line with requirements for aged care workers.

Construction workers will also no longer be able to travel into and out of lockdown zones around the state.

REGIONAL VICTORIAMovement and gatherings

There is no change to the current rules which allow movement around the state and public gatherings of up to 10 people.

Indoor recreation

Indoor gyms and pools can open in regional Victoria, with density limits in place. Spas, saunas and steam rooms remain closed.

Indoor recreation facilities can open with 10 people indoor and 20 outdoor per venue.

Pools can open for up to 50 people outdoors and 20 people indoors.

Hydrotherapy and swimming lessons may resume.

Tourism

Tour transport is allowed with up to 10 people per vehicle.

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correction

A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the new rules would apply from 11.59pm on Thursday.

Mathew Dunckley is digital editor at The Age. Based in our Melbourne newsroom, he was previously business editor for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age and Melbourne bureau chief for the Australian Financial Review.Connect via Twitter, Facebook or email.

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