Melbourne lockdown FAQ: Covid announcement explained as restrictions lift
As Victoria enters its fifth lockdown, here’s everything you need to know about the rules for work, school, travel, home visits and shopping.
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Victoria is going into its fifth lockdown from 11.59pm Thursday for five days.
The new rules will apply in both metro Melbourne and regional areas.
This is what you need to know about the latest changes:
WHAT ARE THE REASONS TO LEAVE HOME?
There are only five reasons to leave home: shopping for necessary goods and services, care and caregiving, permitted work, exercise within time and travel limits and getting vaccinated.
MASK RULES
WHEN DO I HAVE TO WEAR A FACE MASK?
You must wear a face mask at all times both indoors and outdoors.
SCHOOLS, UNI AND CHILDCARE
ARE SCHOOLS OPEN?
Schools will be closed and resume remote learning from Friday. Students of essential workers or vulnerable families will be able to apply to be at school.
CAN I GO TO UNIVERSITY OR TAFE?
Higher education and training will also be closed.
IS CHILDCARE OPEN?
Childcare, kinders and family day care will remain open.
WORK RESTRICTIONS
CAN I GO TO WORK?
If you can work from home, you must work from home. A limited list of essential workers are the only exemption.
SUPERMARKETS, RETAIL AND SERVICE RESTRICTIONS
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IF I GO TO THE SUPERMARKET OR SHOPS?
Make sure you use the QR check-in upon entering. Limit your trip to once per day and shop alone, not with your family.
WHAT STORES/BUSINESSES ARE ALLOWED TO OPEN?
Only essential services such as supermarkets and chemists will be open.
RESTAURANT, CAFE, BAR, PUB RESTRICTIONS
CAN I STILL GO OUT FOR DINNER OR A DRINK?
No, restaurants and cafes will return to takeaway only.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
HOW FAR CAN I GO FROM HOME?
You can only travel 5km from your home unless travelling for one of the five permitted reasons or singles can travel to visit their ‘bubble partner’.
CAN I GO ON HOLIDAY?
No. Wherever you are staying on Thursday night you should remain.
CAN I TRAVEL TO REGIONAL VICTORIA FROM MELBOURNE?
No. There is no “ring of steel” but spot checks will take place to ensure people are not breaking the 5km travel limit.
PUBLIC GATHERING RESTRICTIONS
CAN I HAVE A BBQ WITH MY MATES IN THE PARK?
No, you can only meet one other person outside for the purpose of exercise within the travel and time limits.
WILL CROWDS BE ALLOWED AT THE FOOTY OR RACES?
No crowds will not be allowed at any footy matches or the races.
HOME VISITORS
CAN GUESTS VISIT MY HOME?
No you must not have visitors to your home with only one other person or members of your household.
CAN MY INTIMATE PARTNER VISIT MY HOME?
Yes this is an exception to the visitor rule.
I’M SINGLE. CAN I VISIT SOMEONE?
If you live alone and are single, you can form a “single bubble” with one other person.
You can visit this one person, and this one person only.
CAN A TRADESPERSON COME TO MY HOME?
Only for emergency repairs.
EXERCISE RESTRICTIONS
WHAT ARE THE RULES ON EXERCISE?
You can only exercise within 5km of your home and only for two hours per day.
CAN MY KIDS AND I STILL PLAY LOCAL SPORT?
No all community sport will be cancelled.
CAN I GO TO THE GYM?
No. Gyms are closed.
ENTERTAINMENT AND LEISURE
CAN I TAKE MY KIDS TO THE LOCAL PARK OR PLAYGROUND?
Yes, you can go to the park or playground as long as it is within 5km of your home and you should socially distance while there.
CAN I GO TO A HAIRDRESSER OR BEAUTY SALON?
No they will be closed.
CAN I GO TO THE CINEMA, CASINO OR OTHER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE?
No all indoor and outdoor entertainment venues including cinemas, drive-ins, casinos, pokies venues and betting venues will be closed.
WEDDINGS, FUNERALS, RELIGIOUS SERVICES
CAN I STILL GET MARRIED OR GO TO A WEDDING?
Weddings cannot take place during the five day lockdown.
WHAT ABOUT FUNERALS?
Funerals are limited to 10 people (and those necessary to conduct the funeral). Children under 12 months old are not counted towards this cap.
CAN I ATTEND CHURCH?
No all in-person religious ceremonies will be cancelled.
HOSPITAL AND AGED CARE VISITORS
I’M DUE TO HAVE A BABY. CAN MY PARTNER OR A SUPPORT PERSON BE WITH ME?
Yes your partner can be with you.
I’M IN THE HOSPITAL OR AN AGED CARE FACILITY. CAN I HAVE VISITORS?
Visitors in health care and aged care facilities will be limited to no more than two visitors per day.
HEALTHCARE
CAN I LEAVE HOME FOR MEDICAL CARE?
Yes.
CAN I TRAVEL OUTSIDE MY 5KM TO BE TESTED OR VACCINATED FOR COVID-19?
Yes you can travel to be tested or get vaccinated, within reason.
I’M BOOKED IN FOR SURGERY/A PROCEDURE. WILL IT GO AHEAD?
Hospitals and surgeons will make the call depending on your level of need.
REAL ESTATE
CAN I BUY A HOUSE OR HOST AN INSPECTION?
All inspections will be called off and auctions will only be able to take place remotely.
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