Coronavirus Australia live: Premier Dan Andrews hints all lockdown restrictions could ease sooner

Dan Andrews has hinted restrictions in Melbourne pegged for November 1 could come early if low infection numbers continue.

Melburnians will wake to new freedoms on Monday morning as the state starts to move out of strict lockdown, with a slew of others planned for November 1.

 

 

 

 

But - in good news for the retail and hospitality industries if it indeed goes ahead - Premier Dan Andrews says there's a chance all restrictions could come earlier than scheduled.

"If through the course of this week we see further low numbers and a sense of certainty in the stories and circumstances that sit behind each of those case numbers, there is an opportunity that we could bring forward the things that are scheduled for the first of November," Mr Andrews said on Sunday.

He added that another announcement could be made as early as this coming weekend: "I ask Victorians to keep working very hard, each day this week so that we can stand up here next Sunday and make further announcements that what is slated for the first of November can be brought forward."

He said he wouldn't speculate any further on the suggested early mark, but urged Victorians to continue adhering to restrictions. 

"If we continue to follow the rules... there is every chance that we are able to bring the first of November deadline forward and take the next big step towards COVID normal some days ahead of the first of November."

From 11.59 Sunday night in Melbourne, limits for exercise were be scrapped, travel restrictions were be extended from 5km to 25km, and tennis clubs, outdoor pools, hairdressers and the real estate industry were set to open up again.

But from 11:59pm on Sunday, November 1, the four reasons to leave home will be removed, retail will reopen and beauty and personal services will return. Hospitality venues will also be allowed to open with a maximum of 20 people inside and 50 people outside, with outdoor seated entertainment able to host a maximum of 50 people or 25 per cent of the venue's fixed seat capacity.

Meanwhile, in regional Victoria, two people, plus dependants, will be allowed to visit other homes from today, and hospitality venues can increase their capacity to 70 people outside and 40 people inside.

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Originally published as Coronavirus Australia live: Premier Dan Andrews hints all lockdown restrictions could ease sooner