Stage one and zero restrictions: How life in Melbourne, Victoria will look
This is how life in Melbourne and Victoria will look in stage one and in a COVID normal, and how we get there. The reasons you can leave your house, which students will be at school and how going to a cafe will work.
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Victorians finally got a glimpse into the State Government’s workings and its plan to move out of lockdown when documents were leaked on Thursday.
We know how the state will look under new restrictions on key dates September 14 and September 28, and what lies ahead after that under stage two restrictions.
But for the first time there was light at the end of the tunnel in terms of what Victoria can look forward to under stage one and stage zero, or COVID normal.
Here’s how each stage will work:
STAGE ONE
Under framework in leaked State Government documents seen by the Herald Sun, Victoria can move to stage one if there are no new cases for 14 days straight.
The earliest this could happen given other times and dates for moving between stages would be October 26.
Social
There will be no curfew and Victorians can leave home without any restrictions on reasons to do so.
Some restrictions will apply to large outdoor gatherings and large gatherings in homes, but the government is working through what they will be.
Education
Under stage three plus restrictions childcare will open and will remain so in stage one restrictions.
Under stage two restrictions all staff, students and schools will go back and will remain so in stage one restrictions.
Adult education such as university and TAFE will return to on-site learning under stage one restrictions.
Work
There will be a phased return to onsite work for all industries and workers who have been working from home with certain safety measures in place.
High-risk industries, such as abattoirs, will be able to operate at full capacity again.
Retail
All retail will open for the first time after beauty and personal care outlets, other than hairdressers, remained closed under stage two restrictions.
As with stage two, there will be no limit on how many people in your household can go to the shops.
Cafes and Restuarants
Cafes and restaurants will open their indoor areas for the first time under stage one restrictions after they were allowed to open outdoor spaces in stage two.
There will be a limit on how many people can be in each indoor and outdoor space, with density limits to be announced by the government.
It will be seated service only.
Real Estate
Auctions and inspections will return under stage one restrictions, with safety measures and record keeping in place.
Exercise and Sport
There will be no restrictions on exercise and gyms will reopen for everyone, after they were only open to people 18-years-old or under during stage two.
Organised contact sport will resume for all ages and spectators can return, but only in a limited amount and with restrictions.
Ceremonies
More attendees will be allowed at weddings and funerals after a maximum of 10 and 20 were allowed respectively during stage two.
Religious ceremonies will resume in outdoor and indoor settings after a maximum of 20 were allowed during stage two.
Entertainment, Leisure and Travel
Interstate travel will be allowed under stage one after it was limited to just other areas in stage two during stage two.
Entertainment venues such as galleries, museums, arcades, amusement parks & adult venues will reopen, but with restrictions, after they were all closed during stage two.
Accommodation will completely reopen and limits on groups will be removed.
STAGE ZERO – COVID NORMAL
If Victoria has no cases of COVID-19 for 28 days straight it will move into stage zero, or COVID normal.
Social
There will be no curfew in place, with masks and physical distancing no longer required.
There will be no more restrictions on public gatherings and visitors to the home but hosts will be encouraged to keep a record of attendees.
Education
Childcare and schools will open.
Work
All industries will operate with appropriate safety measures and record-keeping.
High-risk industries will operate at full capacity.
Retail
All retail stores will operate with no limits on number of shoppers.
Cafes and Restaurants
All restaurants and cafes will operate without restrictions but record-keeping of patrons will continue.
Real Estate
Auctions and inspections will operate with safety measures and record-keeping.
Exercise and Sport
There will be no more restrictions on community sport or spectators.
Ceremonies
Weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies will operate with no limits but organisers will be required to keep a record of attendees.
Entertainment, Leisure and Travel
All entertainment venues will be open subject to ongoing safety measures and record keeping.
Interstate travel will be allowed but borders will be controlled in case of an outbreak.
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