Melbourne’s new coronavirus rules explained

Are schools still open? Can I still go out for dinner or have a barbecue with my mates? Find the answers to your questions here.

What are the new restrictions?

Restrictions were reintroduced at 6pm Tuesday night, across Greater Melbourne, masks must be worn indoors. Private gatherings will be limited to five people, while public gatherings will be limited to 30 people.

Who do they affect?

Anyone living in the 31 local government areas in Greater Melbourne, including those on the fringe such as Cardinia.

How long will they remain in place?

The restrictions will remain in place until June 4, but will be reviewed “right through that period”.

Why have the new rules been introduced?

Five new cases, connected to the Wollert outbreak, emerged on Monday and Tuesday. Authorities said the restrictions were an “important extra precaution”, with Acting Premier James Merlino saying it gave contact tracers “the time they need to track this matter down and get on top of it”.

MASK RULES

Do I have to wear a face mask?

Yes. The face mask requirement applies to everyone in Greater Melbourne aged 12 years and older. Exemptions do apply, including when drinking and eating, exercising or for approved health reasons.

OFFICE RESTRICTIONS

Can I still work in the office?

Yes. There is currently no change to density limits or the number of people who can go to work, however masks must be worn indoors.

SCHOOL RESTRICTIONS

Are schools still open?

Yes. Schools will stay open but teachers and students aged 12 and over must wear masks.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

I live in greater Melbourne. Can I travel to regional Victoria?

Yes, you can but the restrictions travel with you. That means you must wear a mask indoors.

It also means that if you visit someone outside of metropolitan Melbourne, they must not have more than five visitors to their home in that day. If you attend a public gathering outside of Greater Melbourne, it must not be bigger than 30 people.

RESTAURANT, CAFE, BAR, PUB RESTRICTIONS

Can I still go out for dinner?

Yes. Restaurants and hospitality services remain open.

Picnics are back on the agenda — but you’ll have to rug up. File image: NCA NewsWire/David Crosling

PUBLIC GATHERING RESTRICTIONS

Can I have a BBQ with my mates in the park?

Yes. But no more than 30 people can attend.

Is the footy still going ahead?

Yes, but the AFL has paused ticket sales for upcoming round 11 and 12 matches in Victoria, as they await state government directions on crowd attendance.

Are dancefloors open?

Yes. Dancing is considered allowed at nightclubs and weddings, but dancers must don a mask.

HOME VISITOR RESTRICTIONS

Why can I go out to restaurants or the gym with large groups of people, but can’t have more than five at home or 30 in a public gathering?

Licensed venues require people to check in using a QR system, which helps contact tracers in the case of a new infection. Masks must also be worn indoors. Authorities have also flagged that people let their guard down when in private residences.

WEDDING, FUNERAL, RELIGIOUS SERVICES RESTRICTIONS

Can I still get married or go to a wedding?

Yes, the density limits on venues have not changed but people must wear a mask while indoors. If a wedding is in a private residence, the cap on five people, plus the celebrant and one photographer, applies.

What about funerals?

The rules for funerals are the same as weddings.

Wedding attendees must wear a mask while restrictions are in place. File image: NCA NewsWire/Daniel Pockett

EXERCISE RESTRICTIONS

Can my kids still play local sport?

Yes. Local sport remains unchanged at this time.

Can I go to the gym?

Yes. You do not need to wear a mask while exercising.

SUPERMARKET, SHOPPING CENTRE, SHOP RESTRICTIONS

What do I need to do if I go to the supermarket or shops?

Wear a mask indoors. Shoppers at supermarkets, retail stores and markets are not required to check in using a venues QR code but it is recommended.

Can I go to Bunnings and Kmart?

Yes. Retail remains open, however masks are required indoors.

Can I still go to the cinema?

Yes. Cinemas remain open at this time, but masks will be mandatory indoors.

Masks must be worn indoors from 6pm Tuesday. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

CHECK-IN RULES

Do I need to check in at a cafe?

If you are there for more than 15 minutes, yes. For example, if you’re getting a takeaway coffee and will be at a cafe for less than 15 minutes, it is recommended but not a requirement. If you’re having a coffee at the venue and may be longer than 15 minutes, you need to check in.

Where do I need to check-in and what happens if I don’t?

You must check in at all Victorian venues and businesses with a QR code. This includes hospitality venues, accommodation providers, health and beauty services, indoor and outdoor non-seated venues, house inspections, gyms, community venues and places of worship.