- Private home gatherings will be limited to just five people daily
- Face masks will need to be worn indoors
- Restrictions apply to Melburnians travelling to regional Victoria
The Victorian Government has today reintroduced certain COVIDSafe measures across Greater Melbourne in light of one new local cases that have been linked to four cases that were confirmed yesterday.
According to a recent press conference, the new cases’ family is symptomatic with testing underway – suggesting more cases will be announced today or tomorrow.
From 6 pm tonight, private home gatherings will be limited to five visitors per day with public gatherings limited to 30 people. Unless exemptions apply – such as under 12 years of age, masks will need to be worn indoors.
“These additional measures are about keeping Victorians safe while our coronavirus detectives work to track down any additional cases and stamp out the spread of this deadly virus.”
Acting Premier James Merlino
Schools and workplaces will, however, remain open albeit with the same density requirements that vary according to the workplace.
While the restrictions apply to Greater Melbourne, Melburnians who need to travel to regional Victoria will have to follow the restrictions.
For example, if someone from Melbourne is visiting their grandmother in Bendigo, she can not have had five or more visitors to their home during the same day. Likewise, if a Melburnian attends a public gathering in Ballarat, no more than 30 people can be present.
The mask rule will apply in regional Victoria to those from Melbourne – unless, of course, an exemption applies.
Density quotas for weddings and funerals held at venues have not been changed, however, if it is a private residence, this will be subject to restrictions – five people plus a celebrant and photographer.
Due to the current situation, the Victorian Government also announced the pausing of the removal of the density quotient for both outdoor spaces and venue holding 200 people in less than 400 square metres.
At the time of publication, the Victorian Government hasn’t confirmed changes to large public events such as football games and art/cultural events. A public health panel is expected to make this decision soon.
“We will get events advice. There is a range of events, be they football or cultural events, and we will work through those and provide further advice when that is finalised,” said Mr Merlino.
Get vaccinated
Both the Acting Premier and Martin Foley, the Minister for Health, have reiterated calls for those eligible to do so to get vaccinated.
“If you’re eligible to get vaccinated, don’t wait. Make an appointment or walk up to a vaccination site today. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your family,” said Mr Merlino.
“These cases are an important reminder that until the majority of Australians have been vaccinated, and as we move into winter, we cannot let any complacency creep in, and we need to keep up our COVIDSafe behaviours,” added Mr Foley.
