What you need to know about the easing of Victoria’s COVID restrictions

Here are all your questions answered about the restrictions that are easing in Victoria.

Q: WHEN DOES THIS START?

A: From 11.59pm Friday.

Q: DO I STILL HAVE TO WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES INDOORS?

A: No. Masks will now only be mandatory in high risk settings which means supermarkets, large retail like shopping centres and indoor markets, on public transport and in ride share.

Q: CAN I TRAVEL?

A: You can travel anywhere within Victoria and there are no patron caps on tour groups. Accommodation bookings are restricted to private gathering limits. From Saturday the only state of Australia still requiring Victorians to quarantine for 14 days is WA.

Queensland is the latest state to reopen its borders to Victorians. Picture: Saeed Khan

WORK/BUSINESS

Q: SHOULD I GO BACK INTO THE OFFICE?

A: For the first time offices can have up to 75 per cent capacity, in both the public and private sector.

Q: ARE THEIR ANY RESTRICTIONS ON HAIR, BEAUTY OR PERSONAL CARE SERVICES?

A: Masks are no longer required in these settings.

Q: ARE AUCTIONS AND REAL ESTATE INSPECTIONS ALLOWED?

A: Yes but agents must keep electronic records.

SPORT/RECREATION

Q: WILL I BE ABLE TO GO TO THE FOOTY?

A: Footy crowds will be allowed at 50 per cent of the stadium capacity which is 50,000 at the MCG and 29,000 at Marvel.

Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN BE IN MY GYM CLASS OR AT THE POOL?

A: Gym classes limited to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Indoor pools, spas and saunas must comply with a 1 per 4 sqm density quota and outdoors 1 per 2 sqm.

Q: ARE THERE LIMITS ON RECREATIONAL/COMPETITIVE SPORTS?

A: The only restrictions are on venues to keep records of attendees and have a COVID safe plan if they have a capacity greater than 500

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Public gathering limits have been increased. Picture: Tony Gough

SOCIAL

Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I HAVE OVER AT MY HOUSE?

A: You will now be able to have 30 people at private gatherings at your home.

Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I MEET OUTSIDE?

A: You can gather in groups up to 100 if it is outdoors.

Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I HAVE AT MY WEDDING?

A: There is no maximum number of people indoors or outdoors but density quotients apply. If the wedding is at a private home you must only have 30 people.

Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN ATTEND A FUNERAL?

A: No maximum number of attendees.

Q: WHAT ABOUT CEREMONIES AND RELIGIOUS GATHERINGS?

A: Record keeping is required and density limits apply.

Q: WILL CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS BE ALLOWED?

A: Seated venues must follow the same rules as the footy: be ticketed, with patron caps of 75 per cent and 1000 people per space. Amusement parks also fall into this category. Indoor non-seated venues have a lower cap of 50 per cent. Outdoor non-seated entertainment venues, like zoos, have no maximum patron cap but must allow for density quotas.

Q: WHAT ABOUT GAMING AND ADULT ENTERTAINMENT?

. A: Gaming venues are open with machines 1.5m apart and no seated service. Adult entertainment venues have a patron cap of 100.

Q: CAN I GO TO A NIGHTCLUB?

A: Nightclubs are open with standing service but dancefloors have a maximum of 50 people.

Gyms can increase class capacity from Saturday. Picture: Tim Carrafa

HOSPITALITY

Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN BE SEATED IN A RESTAURANTS/CAFE?

A: A density quota of 1 person per 2 sqm continues to apply for indoor and outdoor hospitality. Up to 25 patrons can be in a venue before the density quotient applies.

Q: WHAT ABOUT FOOD COURTS?

A: Indoor and outdoor food courts are open with a density quotient of 1 person per 2 sqm but no patron cap.

HOSPITALS AND CARE FACILITIES

Q: CAN I VISIT SOMEONE IN HOSPITAL OR AN AGED CARE FACILITY?

A: Restrictions no longer apply on visits from a government level but some individual facilities may have their own rules which you must abide by.