What the new coronavirus rules mean for Victorians

The Victorian government has implemented new COVID-19 restrictions to try and prevent the further spread of the Holiday Inn quarantine hotel outbreak.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced the five-day lockdown will commence from 11.59pm on Friday for the entire state of Victoria.

Below you’ll find a building list of what we know about the new rules, when they will apply and what they mean. Please check back regularly as this story will be updated to reflect new information.

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Social

From 11.59pm Friday night until 11.59pm Wednesday:

• There are only four reasons to leave home: shopping for things you need, care and caregiving, exercise and essential work;
• The five-kilometre limit for leaving home will be reintroduced;
• Faces masks will be required at all times outside the home, both indoors and outdoors;
• No visitors will be allowed in the home;
• Public gatherings will not be allowed.

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Venues

The following must close from 11.59pm Friday night until 11.59pm Wednesday:

• Gyms;
• Pools;
• Community centres;
• Entertainment venues;
• Play centres, indoor skate parks, indoor trampolining centres;
• Retail, except for essential shops;
• Cafes, restaurants and pubs (except for takeaway);
• Libraries.

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Education

• Schools will close, with remote learning to resume;
• Vulnerable children and children of essential workers are exempt and can attend school;
• Universities and TAFEs will close or move to remote learning;
• Childcare and kinders will stay open.

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Retail and hospitality

• As with stage four restrictions last year, all non-essential retail must close;
• Supermarkets, bottle shops, financial institutions, post offices, newsagents, petrol stations and pharmacies can stay open ;
• Cafes and restaurants are restricted to takeaway only, dine-in is not allowed;
• Pubs must close;
• One person in each household can go shopping per day.

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Funerals and weddings

• Funerals are restricted to groups of up to 10 people;
• Weddings must be postponed, unless end-of-life concerns or another exceptional reason exists. In that case, five people are allowed, including those being married, a celebrant and two witnesses.

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Australian Open (and other professional sport)

• No crowds allowed.
• Athletes are considered essential workers.
• Staff required to ensure the safe running of the event also considered essential.

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Accommodation

• Hotels and accommodation providers, such as Airbnbs, can stay open to support existing guests;
• However, no further bookings can be accepted.

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Religion

• No in-person gatherings permitted for religious ceremonies.

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Real estate

• Inspections can’t go ahead.
• Auctions won’t take place, except for online.

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Playgrounds

• Outdoor playgrounds remain open.

Aged care and hospitals

• No visitors are permitted into aged care or other residential facility settings, except for end-of-life reasons; non-essential contractors are restricted from entry;
• No visitors are permitted into healthcare settings, except for end-of-life reasons, as a support partner for birth, or a parent to accompany a child; non-essential contractors are restricted from entry.