Victoria set to downgrade lockdown restrictions, but extension still on the table

The state is on a knife’s edge as health authorities weigh up the lifting of restrictions against a three-day lockdown extension — and one key figure will be the decider.

A short lockdown extension of up to three days has been considered by public health officials, senior sources have confirmed.

The Herald Sun has been told that the extension would have left current settings in place until Friday.

However, government sources say a gradual easing of restrictions is now the most likely outcome — unless there is a sudden spike of concerning cases on Tuesday.

But it won’t be a quick return to normal life from Wednesday in the wake of Victoria’s fifth lockdown.

It is understood Victoria will revert to a “lockdown lite”, with health officials hoping to hold some restrictions in place until vaccination rates are vastly improved.

“The restrictions are going to be onerous for the next few months,” one source said.

“It’s going to not be worthwhile for a lot of restaurants to open if what is being talked about goes ahead,” another source said. “Not great news for Melbourne.”

The city is set to gradually lift restrictions. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Luis Ascui

A final decision to lift the shutters is expected late on Monday or early on Tuesday.

Industry and business groups had hoped for a possible announcement Monday morning, giving them time to plan for any changes that may come into effect.

But it is understood no early announcement will be made, with Premier Daniel Andrews expected to make an announcement on Tuesday.

Health officials and senior ministers are discussing allowing schools to return to face-to-face learning on Wednesday, with hopes that planned camps and excursions can go ahead.

The reopening of cafes and restaurants under strict density and patron caps, expected to be one person per 4sq m up to a total of 50 people indoors and 100 across venues, is also being canvassed.

Under proposals that were discussed on Sunday night, retail will reopen with the same density limits as hospitality venues. Outdoor community sports would also be given the go-ahead, with a maximum of 100 people.

But masks are expected to remain mandatory in all settings, indoors and outdoors.

Any further easing of restrictions, including wearing masks, is expected to be slow and cautious. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Health sources would not confirm whether travel limits would be imposed, but the new restrictions are expected to apply statewide.

Any further easing of restrictions is expected to be slower and more cautious than between the fourth and fifth lockdowns, sources close to the health department say.

It is unlikely Victoria will enjoy the freedoms of late June and early July until vaccination rates are well above 50 per cent.

Earlier this year outdoor stadiums were allowed to hold up to 85 per cent of capacity, while just weeks ago up to 40,000 footy fans were able to attend the MCG.

Once everyone has been ­offered the vaccine, there is also a growing acceptance that those who are unvaccinated may be denied entry or access to certain events and services.

Daniel Andrews on Sunday said the situation appeared to look “strong and solid”, despite thousands of “selfish” protesters putting that progress at risk.

“On the data we have now, on the trend we have now, the strategy is working. We are well placed,” the Premier said.

Mr Andrews flagged ­reopening schools, resuming the state’s economic recovery and giving Victorians more freedom of movement as his biggest priorities, but he cautioned that rules would remain post lockdown.

“We won’t go from five reasons to leave the home from midnight on Tuesday to do whatever you want, wherever you want,” he said.

Epidemiologists said a “slow road out” was needed given the increased threat of the Delta variant.

University of Melbourne’s School of Population and Global Health head Nancy Baxter said authorities needed to be “a lot more cautious as we exit lockdown”.

“We need to make some changes in how we respond,” Professor Baxter said. “They’ll loosen some things and we’ll be able to do more but the reason we may not get the freedoms we once had is that constant risk of incursions.”

Deakin University chair of epidemiology Catherine Bennett said it was possible footy crowds would not return this season.

The reopening of cafes and restaurants will be allowed under strict density and patron caps. Picture: Tony Gough

“It would take a number of weeks before they even start to contemplate spectators at major events,” she said.

Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien said the state needed to come out of lockdown stronger than before.

“We went into lockdown very quickly and very strongly. We need to come out the same way because the damage that lockdowns are doing is just enormous,” Mr O’Brien said.

Max Di Ciccio, who manages The Alleyway cafe in Heidelberg, said he was looking forward to welcoming customers back for seated service.

“It’s been a really tough time for hospitality but we’re lucky in the sense that we’re still open when some businesses have closed,” he said.

Eleven new cases of coronavirus were reported on Sunday. All were linked and had been in isolation for their full infectious period.

Authorities on Sunday night were on alert for testing results from the locked-down Lacrosse apartment block in Docklands, and day-13 tests from people finishing up their quarantine.