The world’s longest lockdown, in Melbourne, is to ease this week.
Up to 10 people will be allowed in households, 20 people in restaurants, and the curfew removed. The changes will start from 11.59pm on Thursday, 21 October.
While a moderate risk of increased infections has been identified, Victorian Premier Dan Andrews continued his attack on the unvaccinated by justifying the relaxation as a war on the unvaccinated.
Andrews said, ‘we’re not locking people down any more across the board, instead we’re locking people out who have not got vaccinated.”
A summary of the changes are below:
- The 9pm curfew is erased, along with the six reasons to leave home
- No travel limit providing resident doesn’t cross from regional Victoria to metropolitan Melbourne and vice versa
- Masks remain mandatory
- Hospitality venues can operate seated service for up to 20 fully vaccinated people indoors, 50 vaccinated people outdoors
- General retail open for outdoor service and click and collect
- Up to 10 visitors allowed at homes for pirvate gatherings, including dependents
- Outdoor gatherings of 15 people, including dependents
- Pubs, clubs and entertainment venues open for 20 fully vaccinated people indoors and 50 outdoors
