Education News
Victoria has relaxed its COVID-19 restrictions, with the state returning to its "COVIDSafe Summer" restrictions from 11.59pm, 26th, Feb 2021.
The measures were initially in place over the Christmas period, prior to the Black Rock outbreak stemming from Sydney cases.
The easing of restrictions comes as the state recorded two new local cases of coronavirus today, both being primary close contacts linked to the Holiday Inn outbreak.
Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the cases had been undergoing hotel quarantine during their infectious period and posed "no risk" to the community.
Here is everything you need to know about restrictions easing in Victoria.
Gathering limits
The number of visitors to homes will be expanded to 30 people, up from the current limit of five.
Up to 100 people will be allowed to gather outdoors.
Mask rules ease
Masks will only be mandatory in some high-risk indoor settings including public transport, rideshare and taxi vehicles and large retail settings such as shopping centres, supermarkets, department stores and indoor markets.
Workplace capacity increases
Public and private sector workplaces will be able to have 75 per cent of workers return to offices, the largest number it has been since the start of the pandemic.
Hospitality limits
Density limits in pubs, restaurants and cafes will remain at one person per two square metres for both indoors and outdoors, with no other cap.
No density limits will be required if the patron number is under 25.
Food courts must follow the one person per two square metres rule.
Hairdressing and beauty services
Hairdressing and beauty services can operate at one person per two square metres.
Masks are no longer required.
Retail
Retail stores also remain at the one person per two square metres density limit.
Weddings and funerals
Subject to a density limit of one person per two square metres, but no caps apply.
Religious gatherings and ceremonies
Religious gatherings will follow the same rules as weddings and funerals, being subject to a density limit of one person per two square metres.
Community venues
The same one person per two square metre rule applies to nightclubs and community facilities, like libraries, RSLs and community halls.
Gyms
Gyms remain at a density limit of one person per four square metres – with exercise classes limited to 50 indoors and 100 outdoors.
Real estate
Inspections and auctions can operate with a density of one person per two square metres.
Entertainment venues
Seated entertainment venues (indoors and outdoors): The patron cap is 75 per cent of seated capacity with a maximum of 1000 per space. All activities must be ticketed.
Indoor non-seated venues (such as galleries): The patron cap is up to 50 per cent of total capacity, with a maximum patron cap of 1000 people per space.
Outdoor non-seated entertainment venues (such as zoos): The one person per two square metres rule must be followed.
Gaming: The one person per four square metres rule must be followed and machines must be 1.5 metres apart or every second machine turned off.
Nightclubs
Standing service is permitted and the one person per four square metres rule on a dancefloor must be followed, with a maximum of 50 people.
The one person per two square metres rule applies everywhere else in the venue.
Aged care facilities and hospitals
No restrictions on number of visits or time limits.