What you need to know about the easing of restrictions
From exercising outdoors to socialising with friends or taking your kids to the playground, here are all your questions answered about the restrictions that are easing in Melbourne today.
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EXERCISE
Q: HOW MANY TIMES CAN I LEAVE MY HOUSE TO EXERCISE?
A: You can now exercise outdoors for two hours, which can now be split into two sessions.
Q: CAN I USE OUTDOOR EXERCISE EQUIPMENT?
A: Yes gym equipment in parks is now open but indoor gyms remain closed.
Q: CAN I TAKE MY CHILDREN TO THE SWINGS AT THE LOCAL PLAYGROUND?
A: Yes, from today playgrounds are open with social distancing advised.
Q: CAN MY CHILD GO TO THE SKATE PARK?
A: No, skate parks remain closed until further notice.
Q: WHEN CAN I GO TO THE LOCAL POOL?
A: Outdoor pools will reopen from September 28, if daily case numbers are between 30 and 50.
Q: WHEN CAN I SEE A PERSONAL TRAINER?
A: From September 28, if daily cases are between 30 and 50, individual sessions with a personal trainer outdoors can be booked.
RESTRICTIONS
Q: DO I STILL HAVE TO WEAR A MASK?
A: Masks will remain mandatory until a vaccine is found or the government makes an announcement.
Q: WHEN CAN I LEAVE HOME WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS?
A: From October 26, if case numbers are less than an average of five for a two-week period all stay-at-home restrictions will be lifted.
Q: WILL I BE ABLE TO GO TO THE SUPERMARKET LATER?
A: Yes, the curfew is now from 9pm and food stores will return to normal shopping hours.
TRAVEL
Q: WHEN CAN I TRAVEL FURTHER THAN 5KM?
A: If you have a friend in a single bubble you can leave the 5km zone to visit them. Otherwise the 5km zone will not be lifted until October 26, or when daily case numbers average five or fewer.
Q: WHEN CAN I VISIT REGIONAL VICTORIA?
A: From October 26, if case numbers are less than an average of five for a two-week period you can visit regional Victoria for a day trip.
Q: WHEN CAN I CROSS THE BORDER?
A: Both NSW and South Australia have current border closures in place, which you cannot cross without a valid permit. There is no set date for borders to be reopened at this stage.
EDUCATION
Q: CAN MY CHILD GO TO DAYCARE?
A: No, unless you currently have an access permit you cannot send your child to care until at least September 28, provided daily case numbers are between 30 to 50.
Q: WHEN DO CHILDREN GO BACK TO SCHOOL?
A: Prep to Grade 2, years 10 to 12 and specialist schools will return in Term 4. From October 26, if case numbers are less than an average of five for a two-week period schools will see a potential staged return for grades 3-6 and years 7-9.
SOCIAL
Q: WHEN CAN I GATHER WITH MORE THAN TWO PEOPLE IN PUBLIC?
A: On September 28, if daily case numbers are between 30 to 50, people will be able to gather in groups of five in public and outdoors. This will increase to 10 from October 26.
Q: WHEN CAN I HAVE FRIENDS OVER?
A: From October 26, if case numbers are less than an average of five for a two-week period visitors can visit your home in groups of up to five people.
Q: I LIVE ALONE. CAN I HAVE A FRIEND OVER?
A: Yes, provided all their children are aged under 18. One nominated visitor to the home is allowed as part of the bubble. You do not have to register your friend officially and can travel further than 5km to visit.
HOSPITALITY
Q: WHEN CAN I GO TO THE PUB OR A CAFE?
A: From October 26, if case numbers are less than an average of five for a two-week period then pubs and cafes will open for dining but outdoor seated service only. After November 23 if there are no cases dining will return to normal.
BUSINESS
Q: WHEN CAN I GO SHOPPING?
A: From October 26, if case numbers are less than an average of five for a two-week period all retail stores can open with social-distancing measures.
Q: WHEN CAN I GO TO THE HAIRDRESSER?
A: From October 26, if case numbers are less than an average of five for a two-week period hairdressers can open, along with beauty and personal services.