Coronavirus: limits ease just in time for Christmas
From a crowded pub to a crowded dancefloor at a wedding, more Victorians can come together in celebration, under new density limits.
From a crowded pub to a crowded dancefloor at a wedding, more Victorians can come together in celebration, under new density limits, with the easing of restrictions overnight.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced a raft of easing restrictions from 11.59pm on Sunday, the 37th day of no new COVID-19 cases in Victoria, but warned people to remain vigilant to protect the new “COVID-safe summer”.
Pubs, cafes and restaurants can now host one person per two square metres, for both indoors and outdoors, with no other cap. Small operations will have no density limits if there are fewer than 25 patrons.
Mr Andrews also announced mandatory electronic record-keeping, through QR codes.
“Records matter so we think it’s a proportional measure,” he said.
By January 11, depending on the public health advice, half of all office workers can return and up to 25 per cent of the public service.
Mr Andrews also brought forward a 30-person limit of visitors to one household per day and eased up on the wearing of face masks. Masks must still be carried at all times, and worn on public transport, in ride-share vehicles or taxis, and in some retail settings including supermarkets and indoor markets.
The Premier said mask use would be reviewed at the end of next month, adding “it’s a very low cost for a very high benefit”.
He warned that COVID-19 could come back, with no cases for five or 50 days not being the same as having a vaccine. “I know without a vaccination we will see outbreaks, we will see cases,” he said.
Mr Andrews said it would be wise for people to assume that the restrictions would be in place for some months yet.
Australian Hotels Association Victoria president David Canny said he was “delighted” with the new caps on patrons, especially with three weeks left before Christmas for venues to host some functions at capacity.
“We’re heading back to normality,” he said. “No caps is great for small and big pubs.”
Mr Canny said people were trying to get out and about, especially at this time of the year, and the restrictions would allow some big trading with some capacity. “We understand that this is not throwing the door open (but there will be a lot more normality in what we do),” he said. “The government is showing they trust us to do that.”
Marriage celebrant Jess Kerr said she expected people to change their arrangements with the latest easing of restrictions. She had experienced a surge of calls each time restrictions were eased
“I think couples are filled with more and more confidence, especially knowing active case numbers are zero here in Victoria,” she said.
“Several of my couples are now planning bigger weddings, and can include more friends and family than they ever thought would be possible.
“They have all been through so much this year, and I’m just over the moon for them that they now get to celebrate with all those they love.” Ms Kerr said many couples had pushed back their wedding date over lockdown, wanting their dream big wedding.
Small Business Australia executive director Bill Lang said Mr Andrews and Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton had continued to turn their backs on small businesses in the CBD.
“Through the simple act of allowing … employees to return to their offices this week, the Premier would do more in a day than he has done in nine months to financially support businesses who have been hit hard by closure and lockdown,” Mr Lang said.
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