No masks outdoors, return to the office and other restrictions that changed in Victoria
Masks have been scrapped in most outdoor locations across Victoria, but there are a few places where they must still be worn. These new rules are now in effect.
Coronavirus
Don't miss out on the headlines from Coronavirus. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Victorians have been given more freedoms, after Premier Daniel Andrews lifted another set of coronavirus restrictions on Sunday and flagged more changes in coming weeks.
This is what you need to know.
Any changes to mandatory mask rules?
Masks must still be carried but won’t need to be worn outdoors if you keep a safe distance. They must still be worn indoors.
Do I need to wear a mask at a farmers’ market or when queuing up outside?
Yes, because it’s not possible to effectively social distance.
What if I’m at Bunnings?
Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday said masks did not need to be worn in the Bunnings car park, but must worn instore. People queuing up at the sausage sizzle must wear a mask if they are unable to safely distance from others.
And on public transport?
Masks must be worn for the duration of your entire journey on public transport. PTV says travellers should put on their mask at a train station, and before getting on buses or trams. A mask should be worn at the bus or tram stop if you are unable to distance from fellow commuters.
And at the gym?
Mask rules at indoor gyms remain unchanged — a mask must be worn unless the exercise or physical activity leaves you short of breath.
SOCIAL GATHERINGS, RETURNING TO WORK
How many people can I have over to my house?
A household can receive up to 15 visitors, which can be split up, such as five for lunch and 10 for dinner.
How many can I have on Christmas Day?
From December 13, households can host up to 30 people, not counting babies under 12 months.
How many allowed now for outdoor gatherings?
Up to 50 people can gather outdoors from any number of households, excluding infants under 12 months.
Can I go back to work?
From November 30, sites like CBD offices will be able to return up to 25 per cent of their workforce. You must keep working from home unless nominated to return.
HOSPITALITY AND ENTERTAINMENT
Any changes for patron numbers in cafes, restaurants and bars?
For indoors, venues less than 200sq m floorspace can have up to 50 people, while bigger ones can have up to 150 subject to density rules.
What about outdoors?
Up to 300 patrons, but total venue capacity indoors and outdoors can’t exceed 300.
Any changes for indoor entertainment?
Cinemas, small theatres and galleries can have up to 150 patrons per space. No limit for drive-in cinemas.
What about big venues?
Big theatres, galleries like NGV and museums can have a maximum of 25 per cent capacity.
What about outdoor entertainment?
For seated spaces up to 50 per cent capacity allowed for a maximum of 500 people and non-seated venues subject to density quotient.
Will permanent amusement parks reopen?
Yes, patron cap of up to 25 per cent of venue capacity and group limit of 50 people.
Any changes to gaming venues?
Cap of 1000 patrons at the casino with a group limit of 20 people. Cap of 150 people at electronic gaming venues.
Nightclubs and karaoke?
For nightclubs, seated service only in line with hospitality settings. Karaoke bars can open with a limit of 150 patrons and private groups of up to 20, subject to density limits.
Will strip clubs and brothels reopen?
Yes, brothels have a capacity of 50 patrons, and strip clubs have a cap of 150 and group limit of 20.
CEREMONIES AND RELIGIOUS GATHERINGS
Any changes for religious gatherings?
Up to 150 indoors with no group limit and cap of 300 for outdoors. Either indoor or outdoor ceremony, not both.
What about weddings, funerals and wakes?
Cap of 150 people with density quotient of one per 4sq m indoors or outdoors. No group limit
EXERCISE AND RECREATION
Will gyms and other indoor sports venues allow more people?
Up to 150 with group limit of 20.
What about outdoors community sport and recreation, contact or non-contact?
Cap of 500 patrons, group size limited to 50 people.
How many allowed in big sporting venues like MSAC and major basketball stadiums?
Total venue cap of 25 per cent capacity. For classes a group limit applies of 20 participants indoors and 50 outdoors.
What about pools?
Cap of 150 indoors and 300 outdoors subject to density quotient of 1 per 4 sqm.
Can I organise a public event like a fete or sporting match?
Yes, but different rules and requirements may apply depending on the event.
HAIRDRESSING AND PERSONAL CARE
Any changes to hairdressing, beauty and personal care services?
Masks can be removed for the person receiving the service of procedure if necessary,
such as facial waxing, facials, beard trimmings and piercings around the mouth, nose and cheeks.
HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Will universities and other institutions reopen?
Students and staff return to campus for summer programs.
MORE NEWS
Join the conversation
Sutton dragged into legal fight on cancelled Robbie Williams gig
A war of words has broken out about former Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton’s involvement in the decision to pull the pin on Robbie Williams’ Grand Prix concert.
Read more
Melbourne lockdown protesters sue over cops’ ‘unjustified violence’
Protesters are taking legal action after a judge ruled Victoria Police used “unlawful” and “unjustified violence” the day of their arrests during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read more