Everything you need to know about the new COVID restrictions

Is Bunnings open? What about Kmart? Here’s everything you need to know about the new COVID restrictions in Victoria.

Victoria has a new set of coronavirus restrictions. Here’s what you can and can’t do.

When does this start?

The new rules come into place from midnight.

How long goes it go for?

At least five days, ending at 11.59 Wednesday, unless there are further announcements in the next few days.

Are the rules the same for country and metro residents?

Yes. The restrictions will apply statewide.

What are the reasons I can leave home?

There will only be four reasons to leave your home — shopping for necessary goods, caregiving, essential work or exercise.

How far can I travel?

You must stay within 5km of home.

Do I have to wear a mask?

Yes you must wear a mask at all times whether indoor or outdoors.

Masks must be worn indoors and outdoors.

Is there a curfew?

No there is no curfew but you can only leave home for the four permitted reasons.

Are shops open?

Supermarkets and essential services like chemists will remain open. Hospitality venues can operate on takeaway only.

Is Kmart open?

Stores across Victoria are closed to the public, and click and collect is only available by booking in on the SocialQ booking system.

Can I go to Bunnings?

Victorian stores are closed to the public, but Bunnings Trade customers are still able to shop onsite by presenting their PowerPass.

Online click and collect and drive and collect are available.

Community sausage sizzles are suspended.

What about Target?

All Target stores are closed across Victoria, but online shopping, home delivery and click and collect are still open.

Are Big W stores open?

All Victorian Big W stores are closed until 11.59pm Wednesday February 13.

Online shopping and contactless pick up are still available, but product limits of two items apply for:

- Toilet Paper

- Paper Towel

- Tissues

- Anti-Bacterial Wipes

- Soaps and Hand Wash

- Hand Sanitiser

What about beauty and hairdressing?

All personal care services are closed.

Are schools open?

Schools will be closed except for vulnerable children or essential workers. Higher education is also closed.

Should I go to work?

If you can work from home you must work from home.

What about childcare and early learning?

Childcare centres will remain open.

Schools will be closed but childcare will remain open. Picture: Jason Edwards

How many people can I have to my house?

None. All private gatherings are banned. Intimate partner visits are allowed.

How many people can I meet outside?

You can’t gather with others outside. You may meet two people for exercise or members of your household.

Can I exercise?

Yes but only for two hours a day outside.

What about sport and the gym?

All indoor recreation and sport is closed, including gyms and swimming pools. Outdoor sport is also banned.

Will the Australian Open go ahead?

Yes but with no spectators. Professional athlethes in competitions have been deemed essential workers.

What about the playground?

Outdoor playgrounds can be used but you should maintain social distance and not meet with others outside your household.

You can leave the house for two hours a day to exercise. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

What about weddings and funerals?

Weddings are not permitted. Funerals, whether indoors or outdoors, can have no more than 10 people plus those conducting the service.

What about community facilities like libraries?

All community facilities will be closed.

What about auctions and house inspections?

All these events are cancelled.

What happens with hospitals and aged care facilities?

No visitors are permitted into aged care or any other residential care facilities. No visitors are allowed at hospitals. Exceptions are made for end of life reasons, a support person in childbirth or parent accompanying a child.

Originally published as Everything you need to know about the new COVID restrictions