Melbourne’s fourth lockdown is set to end at 11:59pm tonight after two weeks of restrictions.
Restaurants and cafes will be able to open with parameters including density limits, seated service and QR codes.
“We’ve always said that when we could safely ease the rules, we would. And if we could make things even just a little easier, we wouldn’t waste a minute,” said Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino.
“It’s why, on the advice of the Chief Health Officer, we can take some first safe steps. That means metropolitan Melbourne will move to almost the same settings currently in place across regional Victoria. And regional Victoria will move towards further easing.”
In metro Melbourne, there will be a maximum of 100 people per venue and no more than 50 diners indoors.
Group sizes will be capped at 10 and there is a density quotient of one person per 4sqm.
In regional Victoria, there is a maximum number of 150 people per venue with no more than 75 indoors. The one person per 4sqm rule also applies.
The existing 10km distance cap in metro Melbourne will also be increased to 25km, however regional travel is still off the cards.
While it’s good news for cafes and restaurants, nightclubs have not been permitted to open yet.
The Victorian government has announced an additional $8.36 million for eligible businesses that have not been able to trade during lockdown.
Businesses will be able to receive an additional $2,000 grant.
Image credit: Time Out