Regional Victoria reopening: All you need to know

The lockdown is being lifted in regional Victoria, apart from Shepparton. Here are the rules that are changing.

WHEN WILL THE RESTRICTIONS LIFT?

The new rules will come into effect at 11.59pm on Thursday September 9 in regional Victoria, except Shepparton.

WHAT ABOUT SHEPPARTON?

There is no set timeline for when Greater Shepparton will be out of lockdown. On Wednesday, Premier Daniel Andrews said: “Hopefully in just a few days we’ll be able to have Shepparton open up on the same terms as the rest of regional Victoria”.

WHAT ARE THE REASONS TO LEAVE HOME?

There will be no restrictions on leaving home and there will be no limit on the distance regional Victorians can travel.

CAN I GO BACK TO WORK?

Yes. Most businesses and venues can reopen with capacity and density limits. Regional Victorians must abide by the rule “if you can work from home, you should work from home” but office workers can return with up to 25 per cent or up to 10 people, whichever is greater.

Regional Victorians will be able to enjoy a coffee at a cafe again. Picture: David Caird

ARE SCHOOLS REOPENING?

Only prep to grade 2 students and year 12s will be able to return to the classroom. Remote learning will continue for all other year levels. Face masks must be worn by everyone 12 years and over.

IS CHILDCARE REOPENING?

Yes. Childcare centres, kindergarten, early learning centres and daycare will be allowed to accept regional Victorian children and children of metropolitan Melbourne authorised workers.

CAN I RETURN TO UNIVERSITY OR TAFE?

No. Remote learning will continue.

CAN I GO TO A CAFE, PUB OR RESTAURANT?

Yes. Cafes, pubs and restaurants can reopen for seated service only, with a maximum of 20 people outdoors and 10 indoors, subject to density limits.

CAN I BOOK ACCOMMODATION?

Yes. Accommodation can open to people who live in regional areas. Bookings are only permitted for single households, intimate partners or single bubbles.

WHAT ABOUT REAL ESTATE?

Private inspections can be held with a maximum of 10 people, plus the real estate agent, and auctions will be capped at 10 people.

Denis Payton from Bright Big 4 Holiday Park is looking forward to welcoming guests. Picture: David Caird

ARE WEDDINGS ALLOWED?

Yes. Weddings are permitted with no more than 10 people, plus those workers necessary to conduct the ceremony.

CAN I ATTEND A FUNERAL?

Yes. Funerals are permitted with no more than 20 people, plus those workers necessary to conduct the funeral.

CAN I ATTEND A RELIGIOUS CEREMONY?

Yes. Religious ceremonies are permitted with up to 20 persons per venue plus those workers necessary to conduct the ceremony.

CAN I GO INTO A RETAIL SHOP?

Yes. Shops can reopen with a density quotient of 1 person per 4 sqm.

CAN I GO TO THE HAIRDRESSERS?

Yes. Hairdressers can open with a cap of 10 but masks must be worn for the duration of the appointment.

Hairdressers, such as Andrew Eade in Portland, can reopen. Picture: Nicole Cleary

CAN I HAVE VISITORS AT HOME?

No. Private gatherings will not be allowed, except for intimate partner visits/single person bubble.

CAN I MEET OTHER PEOPLE IN PUBLIC?

Yes. Gatherings with up to 10 people will be allowed in public.

CAN I GO TO THE GYM?

No. Gyms will remain shut.

CAN I TRAIN OUTDOORS WITH A GROUP?

Yes. Personal training is allowed with up to 10 people and a trainer.

IS COMMUNITY SPORT ALLOWED?

Yes. Community sport is permitted with outdoor training only, with the minimum number of people required to train. Spectators are prohibited but one parent is allowed to supervise children.

WILL THERE BE A RING OF STEEL?

Technically no but there will be a boost to police enforcement along the regional-metropolitan border. Premier Daniel Andrews said: “I wouldn’t necessarily call it that (ring of steel) because Victoria Police have got a slightly different model.”

WILL POLICE BE PATROLLING REGIONAL VICTORIAN TOWNS?

Yes. Victoria Police will be conducting spot checks to ensure people from metropolitan Melbourne are not in the regions unless for authorised reasons. The fine for breaching the chief health officer’s directions is $5452.

Police will be out in force monitoring the metropolitan-regional border. Picture: David Crosling

CAN REGIONAL VICTORIANS TRAVEL TO MELBOURNE?

No. Unless it is for specified purposes such as necessary goods and services (provided the facility is the closest facility to your place of residence); for care or compassionate reasons (including bubble buddy/intimate partner); for authorised work/education; and for other specified reasons e.g. moving home.

CAN REGIONAL VICTORIANS TRAVEL TO OTHER PARTS OF REGIONAL VICTORIA?

Yes

WHAT ARE THE RULES ABOUT SKI RESORTS?

Regional Victorians can travel to regional Victorian Alpine Resorts provided they have had a negative Covid test in the 72 hours prior to arrival. This does not apply to children under 12 years.

WHEN DO I HAVE TO WEAR A FACE MASK?

Face masks must still be worn at all times outdoors and indoors (except in your own home).