Daniel Andrews: Cautious path to recovery crucial

Right now, staying apart is what’s keeping us together and none of us wants to squander everything we’ve achieved as we start to slowly lift restrictions, writes Premier Daniel Andrews.

Premier Daniel Andrews is asking Victorians to use common sense — only spending time together if it’s safe. Picture: AAP Image

Thank you to every Victorian for doing the right thing.

By staying home and sticking to the rules, you have saved lives.

And by getting tested in record numbers, you’ve given us more options.

In the past two weeks, we’ve tested more than 160,000 Victorians for coronavirus.

Every single one of you has played your part in protecting our state.

Through your actions we have a better understanding of how the virus is moving through the community.

In the past two weeks, we’ve tested more than 160,000 Victorians for coronavirus. Picture: Getty Images

And that has allowed us to start slowly and cautiously lifting restrictions.

From Wednesday, you can start visiting family and friends again — with a maximum gathering of up to 10 outdoors and having up to five visitors in your home.

This is not about having a rotating roster of acquaintances and associates — or your third-best friend from primary school — over for a visit.

This is about seeing those you need to — if you need to.

We’re asking Victorians to limit their circle to just family and friends.

That means that when we do have outbreaks and positive cases — and we will — we can test and trace and effectively contain the spread.

More outdoor activities will also be allowed.

Fishing, hiking, walking groups, and yes — even golf — is back on.

Picnics in the park can happen.

And weddings will now be able to have 10 guests.

Up to 20 people will be able to attend funerals held indoors and up to 30 if they’re outdoors.

And for professional sports — like the AFL — training can recommence, paving the way for the season to restart.

Like everyone, I can’t wait for footy to be back.

These new restrictions and a renewed State of Emergency will be in place until Sunday, May 31.

As we go through this month, we’ll keep reviewing the situation and our case numbers — and hopefully, we’ll be able to make further announcements then.

When we do have outbreaks and positive cases — and we will — we can test and trace and effectively contain the spread. Picture: Getty Images

I know the changes we are making will come as a welcome relief to many.

But I need to be clear.

With more freedom comes more responsibility.

As we do this, physical distancing will still need to be adhered to.

Good hand hygiene will continue to be essential.

And if you have even mild symptoms, please don’t go to work. In fact, don’t go out at all.

I’m asking Victorians to use common sense — you should only spend time together if it’s safe.

And you should only be undertaking these additional activities if you really need to.

Use your judgment. Think about the health of your fellow Victorians. And if you can stay at home, you must stay at home.

Because right now, staying apart is what’s keeping us together.

And none of us wants to squander everything we’ve achieved.

None of us wants to have to take a backward step.

And none of us want to be responsible for the loss of someone we love — or someone we’ve
never met.

That means it’s up to all of us to make this work.

Daniel Andrews is Premier of Victoria