Coronavirus: Premier Daniel Andrews rings in the changes

As of midnight Sunday Victorians can enjoy the outdoors without a face mask, but must carry one at all times in case of sudden inability to social distance.

Pedestrians on Chapel St in Melbourne’s Prahran, Victoria. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

As of midnight Sunday Victorians can enjoy the outdoors without a face mask, but must carry one at all times in case of sudden inability to social distance.

Premier Daniel Andrews unveiled a raft of new steps for Victoria’s COVID normal on Sunday, including the need to wear a mask if waiting in line for a snag at Bunnings, but not while walking across the car park.

“If you are outside in the open now, and you believe you can keep your distance from people, you do not need to wear it,” Mr Andrews said.

“But carry it with you, because those circumstances can change.”

 

Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton stressed the importance of carrying the “insurance policy” at all times, saying it probably decreased transmission by about one-quarter and helped Victoria reach its COVID numbers two to three weeks early.

Professor Sutton said anti-mask attitudes in America, particularly in North and South Dakota, had seen high transmission rates and an overwhelmed health system.

“It is an insurance policy that is most useful when it is in place before the fact,” he said.

“That will be an ongoing risk until there is really substantial rollout of vaccine across the world and that is some months away, at least six months.”

New restrictions on private gatherings are also in place and Victorians will be able to celebrate Christmas with up to 30 family and friends this year, with babies under 12 months old excluded from the count.

Increased caps now apply to hospitality, weddings, funerals and religious gatherings, as well as sporting and community facilities. Restrictions have been lifted entirely for visitors to care facilities and hospitals.

Mr Andrews said the new measures were a testament to the character, conviction and amazing job done by every single Victorian to reach the consistent absence of new cases of coronavirus, urging them to observe the limits.

“They’re not against you, they’re for you,” he said.

Workplaces with people working from home can move up to 25 per cent of staff back into the office from November 30. Victorian public servants will continue working from home.