Coronavirus: Melbourne restrictions eased
28 September 2020
Melbourne has entered the Second Step towards reopening, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced.
Under an accelerated roadmap out of Melbourne Stage 4 lockdown, 127,000 residents will be able to return to work – although VACC members should be aware that the automotive industry restrictions remain mostly the same.
Key community restriction changes:
Face coverings
Must be a fitted face mask that covers nose and mouth – not a face shield (a week's grace period has been put in place, to give residents time to organise masks).
Curfew
Has been lifted, as of 5am 28 September.
Shopping
No limit on the number of people from one household.
Education
VCE and VCAL students return for assessments from 5 October. Prep to Grade 6, specialist school students, and VCE/VCAL students return onsite from the week of 12 October.
Public gatherings (outside)
A household or limit of five people from two households allowed. Penalty for illegal gatherings outdoors and in the home increases to nearly $5000.
Exercise
Exercise allowed within five kilometres of the workplace (permitted workers), as well as the home.
Industry
Worker reduction will no longer apply to warehousing, postal and distribution centres, supermarket and food distribution.
Vehicles
As previously announced, scheduled and logbook servicing and safety inspections allowed for boats and vehicles.
Reasons to leave home
The four primary reasons to leave home still apply, as does the five-kilometre radius:
- Shop for food and necessary goods or services
- Provide care, for compassionate reasons, or to seek medical treatment
- Outdoor exercise or recreation
- For permitted work or education.
Note: Members are advised to rely on the most recent news stories and Bulletins only, as government advice and regulations will continue to change as the COVID-19 situation develops. The advice above was correct at the time of publication.
For more information
Premier of Victoria: Statement 27 September 2020
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