Stay up to date with our live list of the latest updates of restrictions around Melbourne.
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Thursday 18 November
Today, State Premier Daniel Andrews announced significant changes to restrictions in light of Victoria inching toward the 90% double dose vaccination rate. The restrictions changing will see caps in the home and at venues scrapped, masks will also only be required indoors and large scale events will be able to take place.
It all comes into effect at 11:59pm tonight. Here's what you need to know:
- No caps on the number of people allowed in the home
- No caps on groups of people gathering in public places
- Masks only required indoors for retail, healthcare, justice and taxi/rideshare settings
- Hospitality can operate at full capacity where staff and patrons are fully vaccinated
- No capacity limits for weddings, funerals and religous ceremonies providing everyone is fully vaccinated. Capacity limits will be in place where proof of vaccination isn't being checked. More here.
- No travel limits on leaving Victoria, however, it's recommended you check the rules and restrictions of your destination prior to your journey
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Sunday 24 October
Today, State Premier Daniel Andrews announced the next stage of Victoria's roadmap out of lockdown will come into effect at 6pm on Friday 29 October. It comes as the state's vaccination rate is expected to reach 80% double dose by the end of the week.
Here's what's changing:
- Masks required indoors, and outdoors only if you're unable to social distance
- Retail to reopen at a capacity of one person per four square metres
- Entertainment venues such as cinemas can reopen at 70% capacity
- Gyms to reopen at a capacity of one person per four square metres
- Capacity limits in hospitality venues to be set at one person per four square metres
- Victorians will be able to travel between metro and regional areas freely
- Outdoor festival capacity set at up to 5,000 people
These freedoms will apply only to those who are fully vaccinated.
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Friday 22 October
Melbourne, it's been a slog, but we've made it. Lockdown is over. Go and get a pint.
And if you need a little direction, check out these bars, restaurants, pubs and diners taking bookings from today and beyond.
Update: Tuesday 19 October
Alongside Melburnians being granted many long-awaited freedoms, pubs, bars and restaurants are set to reopen their doors this Friday. But that's only going to be for the vaccinated.
Earlier today, State Premier Daniel Andrews made clear that while there isn't an exact date, the unvaccinated will be waiting for some time before they'll be allowed to enter venues across the state.
"It will not be when we reach 90%. It will not be anytime soon. That is going to function for a period of time. Well into 2022," said Andrews.
Andrews' clarification on how the next few months will look for those who have—and haven't— been jabbed comes after New South Wales announced that unvaccinated people within their state will have to wait only until early December to enter venues.
“That doesn’t make any sense to me in any event, and we won’t be doing that here."
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Sunday 17 October
As the state inches closer to its 70% double dose vaccination target ahead of schedule, Daniel Andrews has announced lockdown will end at 11:59pm on Thursday 21 October. Here's what you need to know:
- The curfew and reasons to leave the home will be scrapped
- 10 visitors allowed in the home per day
- Hospitality to resume with a capacity of 20 fully vaccinated people inside, and up to 50 fully vaccinated people outside
- Increases to capacity at weddings and funerals to be announced
- Outdoor public gatherings of up to 15 people permitted
- There won't be any travel limits within metropolitan Melbourne, but those living within metropolitan Melbourne won't be allowed to travel to regional Victoria yet
More details to come as it's announced.
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Thursday 14 October
Despite a staggering 2297 COVID-19 cases recorded, State Premier Daniel Andrews has stated that Melbourne will be "opening up next week". Speaking to reporters outside of parliament, the news comes as Victoria continues to work towards the 70% vaccination target, and it's expected that the state will reach this sooner than expected.
More information via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Tuesday 12 October
Along with our lowest recorded case numbers in the past week, Victoria has just reached its 60% double dose vaccination rate.
It was initially expected that the state would reach the 70% double dose vaccination rate on Tuesday 26 October—the day Melbourne would begin to reopen—however, if people continue to bring their vaccinations forward, State Premier Daniel Andrews has mentioned in parliament on Tuesday morning that this date could come several days sooner.
More information via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Monday 11 October
At a press conference earlier today, Health Minister Martin Foley announced that Victorians over the age of 60 can now receive an mRNA vaccine at state-run hubs, which now means anyone 12 and over within the state can receive a vaccination of choice.
Along with this, comes the news that Victorians can 'walk-in' to any state-run clinic without an appointment if they wish to receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Friday 8 October
At a press conference earlier today, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton announced that as of Saturday 9 October, the rule which bans people from taking their mask off to drink alcohol will be scrapped.
The rule comes as a welcome change after restrictions eased slightly several weeks ago allowing public gatherings, while the ban on drinking alcohol remained in place.
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Thursday 30 September
At a press conference earlier today, State Premier Daniel Andrews announced several changes to how people can book and receive vaccines against COVID-19.
Over the weekend and into next week, Victoria will receive 88,000 Moderna vaccines which will be distributed to state vaccination hubs and open up more bookings for Victorians.
As part of the vaccination blitz, interval times between first and second Pfizer jabs will be halved from six weeks to three weeks from anyone booked in from Monday 4 October.
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Monday 27 September
On Sunday, State Premier Daniel Andrews announced several restrictions are set to ease at 11:59pm on Tuesday 28 September, which is when the state is expected to reach 80% of first-dose vaccinations. Here's what you need to know:
- Metro Melbourne and regional areas in lockdown will have their travel radius extended from 10km to 15km
- Activities like golf, tennis and basketball (outside) can resume at outdoor facilities. Up to five fully vaccinated people from a maximum of two households can take part in these activities, while those unvaccinated or partially vaccinated are capped at two people
- Some rules around personal training has also changed. Up to five fully vaccinated people will be able to meet with one fully vaccinated personal trainer outdoors
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Monday 20 September
Today, appointments for the Moderna vaccine opened to Victorians aged 12 – 59 across community pharmacies within the state. This month, there'll be around 300,000 Moderna appointments available along with more expected across October and November.
Along with Moderna, you can also book in for an AstraZeneca vaccine at participating pharmacies. Meanwhile, Pfizer is only available at some GPs and state-run vaccination centres.
You can find a pharmacy offering vaccination appointments here.
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
UPDATE: SUNDAY 19 SEPTEMBER
At a press conference today, State Premier Daniel Andrews announced Melbourne's roadmap out of lockdown. Several dates in the coming weeks have been outlined where the city will reopen further pending the 70% and 80% double dose vaccination targets.
On Sunday 26 September, when it’s expected Victoria will each its 80% single dose vaccination target, outdoor activities such as basketball, golf and more will resume. The same rules to outdoor gatherings will apply, meaning only two unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people can meet, while up to five fully vaccinated people from a maximum of two households can take part in these outdoor activities. Personal training, with up to five fully vaccinated people, can also resume.
On or around Wednesday 6 October, onsite learning for VCE units 3 and 4, and final year VCAL students will return. While on Monday 18 October, prep as well as grades one and two will begin to return to the classroom part time.
Meanwhile on or around Tuesday 26 October—when it’s expected Victoria will reach its 70% double dose vaccination target—several significant changes will come into effect. These include:
- Lockdown will end. The reasons to leave the home and the curfew will no longer be in place
- Up to 10 fully vaccinated people can gather outdoors
- Further physical recreation and community sport training will resume with strict limits
- Pubs, clubs and entertainment venues can reopen at a capacity of 50 fully vaccinated people for outdoor trade only
- Weddings and funerals outdoors can resume at a capacity of 50 fully vaccinated people
- All school students will begin to return to the classroom part-time.
- Hairdressing and personal care services can resume for up to five fully vaccinated customers at any one time
On or around Friday 5 November, when it’s expected that Victoria will reach its 80% double dose vaccination rate, more changes to restrictions are expected:
- Metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria are set to align to the same rules
- 10 fully vaccinated people can visit the home
- 30 fully vaccinated people can gather outdoors
- Indoor community sport can reopen
- Masks will only be required inside
- Pubs, restaurants and cafes capacity will increase to 150 fully vaccinated patrons inside and 500 outside for seated service only
- Those fully vaccinated can return to work, though it will still be recommended to work from home when possible
- Hairdressing, beauty and personal care services will be open for fully vaccinated people
- All retail to reopen
- All students to return to school with additional safety measures in place
- Weddings, funerals and religious services to return for 150 fully vaccinated people indoors and 500 people outdoors
More details will be announced in the coming weeks, however, it’s expected that up to 30 people will be allowed in the home come Christmas Day.
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Thursday 16 September
Following the state expected to reach its 70% vaccination target today, State Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that several restrictions will ease at 11:59pm tomorrow night for metropolitan Melbourne. Here's what you need to know:
- A sixth reason to leave the home will be added: outdoor social interaction
- Outdoor gatherings—that means picnics—of up to two people from separate households allowed for anyone that isn't vaccinated or partially vaccinated.
- Outdoor gatherings of up to five people from a maximum of two households will be allowed for those fully vaccinated
- The 5km radius to expand to 10km
- Outdoor personal training to resume with one personal trainer and two people
- Two hours exercise time to be raised to four hours
- Outdoor gyms and skateparks to reopen
- Real estate inspections to resume by private appointment only
On Sunday 19 September, Daniel Andrews is still expected to announce the roadmap out of lockdown for metropolitan Melbourne.
More information via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Wednesday 15 September
Yesterday, State Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters that Melbourne's roadmap exiting lockdown will be revealed on Sunday 19 September, which will come just a few days after when Victoria is predicted to hit its 70% first dose vaccination rate. While nothing has officially been announced, it's expected that some restrictions may ease slightly earlier than the initially planned date of Thursday 23 September. For anyone needing a recap, those changes to restrictions are:
- 5km radius to expand to1 0km for shopping and exercise
- Two hours exercise time to be raised to three hours
- Outdoor communal gyms and skateparks to reopen
- Personal training outdoors with up to two people will be allowed
- Private inspections allowed for some real estate
- Construction can increase 50% staff capacity where 90% of staff have one vaccine dose
Meanwhile, some changes to restrictions in regional Victoria will come into effect at 11:59pm tonight. Shepparton will exit their hard lockdown and follow the same restrictions as the majority of regional Victoria, and Ballarat will enter a seven-day lockdown at the same time following four new cases along with COVID-19 detected in the region's wastewater.
More information via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Monday 13 September
In the coming weeks, some 400,000 Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will arrive in Victoria which is set to alleviate the high amount of Melburnians attempting to book in for a vaccination, especially those in Melbourne's north and west. The news comes after the state recorded 473 new cases yesterday and 392 the day previous.
Meanwhile, Victoria has reached just over 40% vaccination rate several days earlier than predicted. If the state is to stay on track, this could mean some restrictions may ease slightly earlier than the planned date of Thursday 23 September.
More information via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Wednesday 8 September
State Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that regional Victoria's lockdown will end at 11:59pm on Thursday 9 September—excluding greater Shepparton. Here's what you need to know:
- Restaurants and cafes to reopen for seated service with caps on guests
- Retail, hairdressers and entertainment venues can reopen with strict capacity limits
- Masks still required indoors and outdoors
- Prep, grades one and two, and year 12s can return to in-school learning, while all other grades will remain remote
- No distance limits for regional Victorians travelling from their home, except for restrictions entering metropolitan Melbourne
More information via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Tuesday 7 September
At today's press conference, State Premier Daniel Andrews announced the state will increase its vaccinations by 40,000 per week.
The news comes along with 25 new cubicles being added to several vaccination sites including Melbourne Town Hall, Port Melbourne Town Hall and the Eagle Stadium Drive Through. A new vaccination centre will be set up at Bundoora's La Trobe University.
“We’ve delivered more than 650,000 doses towards our 1 million doses target which is a mammoth effort but please, if you haven’t had your vaccination yet, just book it in to protect yourself and your loved ones,” said Andrews.
You can book your vaccination against COVID-19 here.
Update: Wednesday 1 September
Following 120 new COVID-19 cases recorded yesterday, and consequent state health advice, State Premier Daniel Andrews has announced lockdown restrictions will remain as is until around Thursday 23 September, when it's expected Victoria will reach a 70% first vaccination rate.
"We can’t ease restrictions today, I don't think anyone was expecting that but it’s simply not possible," said Andrews.
Once the 70% first vaccination rate is reached, some restrictions will likely ease. These are:
- 5km radius to expand to10km for shopping and exercise
- Two hours exercise time to be raised to three hours
- Outdoor communal gyms and skateparks to reopen
- Personal training outdoors with up to two people will be allowed
- Private inspections allowed for some real estate
- Construction can increase 50% staff capacity where 90% of staff have one vaccine dose
It's understood that this list of eased restrictions may grow between now and Thursday 23 September.
"We will look at a range of other things within these next three weeks."
Some small changes will however come into effect as of 11:59pm on Thursday 2 September. Playgrounds are expected to reopen with some rules in place, while some amendments around in-home childcare will be made, too.
Meanwhile, regional Victoria—excluding Shepparton—will likely exit lockdown next week with significant rules in place.
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Tuesday 31 August
At today's press conference, State Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a case threshold will be put in place. When case numbers come in on or below the threshold, it's expected some restrictions may ease.
"Based on those thresholds and those case numbers, we will make further announcements about things that can be eased," said State Premier Daniel Andrews.
An official announcement, including the threshold and which restrictions might ease when it's reached, is planned for tomorrow.
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Sunday 29 August
After 92 new recorded cases, State Premier Daniel Andrews has stated that lockdown will be extended at today's press conference. An official announcement of the length of extension is expected in the coming days.
Obviously with almost 100 cases today, where many of them remain mysteries, many of them were out in the community during their infectious period, it isn't going to be possible for us to open up our Victorian community in just a couple of days' time," said Andrews.
Update: Saturday 21 August
After 77 recorded cases along with an outbreak in Shepparton, State Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that regional Victoria will head into lockdown at 1pm today. The conditions are the same as in Melbourne, however, there will be no curfew in regional areas.
In Metropolitan Melbourne, some changes to restrictions have been made. These are:
- Only authorised workers will be able to send their children to childcare; a permit will be required
- Construction will reduce to 25% across the state
- Abattoirs, cool centres and some large distribution centres will reduce capacity
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Monday 16 August
After 22 new recorded cases, State Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that a curfew will be reintroduced beginning at midnight tonight, along with an extension of Melbourne's lockdown. Here's what you need to know:
- From midnight tonight a curfew will be implemented across metropolitan Melbourne. The curfew will be from 9pm until 5am every night, and while it comes into place legally at 11:59pm tonight, it's recommended Melburnians observe these rules from 9pm this evening.
- The current lockdown will be extended for another fortnight, and will last until at least 11:59pm on Thursday 2 September. The same rules and restrictions currently in place will apply.
- Basketball courts, skateparks and playgrounds to close.
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Wednesday 11 August
This morning, State Premier Daniel Andrews announced that lockdown in metropolitan Melbourne will be extended until at least 11:59pm Thursday 19 August.
The same rules will apply. These are:
- Five reasons to leave the home will continue in place, meaning you can only leave the home for exercise, shopping for essentials, work or education, caregiving and essential care, and to get vaccinated
- For shopping and exercise, you must stay within 5km of your home unless the closest shops are further than 5km
- Hospitality to remain closed except for takeaway
- Retail to remain closed
- Masks mandatory indoors and outdoors
- No guests to the home aside from an intimate partner
- Single people living alone can nominate one person for their 'bubble'
- Entertainment venues to stay closed
More information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Monday 9 August
This morning, Premier Daniel Andrews announced that lockdown will end in regional Victoria at 11:59pm tonight. Here's what you need to know:
- The five reasons to leave the home will be removed
- Masks still required indoors and out
- Retail to reopen
- Schools to reopen
- Gatherings in the home are still off limits
- Gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted outdoors
- Hospitality to reopen for seated service only with strict density limits in place
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Thursday 5 August
Following an outbreak in Melbourne's west, Daniel Andrews has announced a snap lockdown at 8:00pm tonight. The same rules as the previous lockdown will apply, and it's expected to last at least seven days.
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Monday 2 August
The Victorian Government has announced some minor changes to the state's restrictions. Here's what you need to know:
- The density limit of one person per four square metres still applies in hospitality venues, but the capacity of 10 people per booking will lift at 11:59pm on Tuesday 3 August
- The restrictions around the New South Wales and Victorian border will tighten slightly at 11:59pm on Tuesday 3 August, and border residents can only cross the border for six reason. These are:
- Travel for work
- For a vaccination
- Education reasons
- Compassionate grounds
- For essential goods and services including medical reasons
- For exercise at a club (exc. Alpine regions)
At this point, more changes to restrictions are expected to be announced early next week.
For more information, head to coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Tuesday 27 July
Following a significant reduction in COVID-19 cases across Victoria, State Premier Daniel Andrews has announced Melbourne’s current lockdown will lift at 11:59pm tonight. Restrictions will still be in place—here’s what you need to know:
- Hospitality to reopen with a density quotient of one person per four square metres, and a maximum of 100 inside and 300 outside
- Retail to reopen with strict density limits
- Masks to be worn inside and out
- Workers can return to the office with a maximum of 25% capacity or 10 people, whichever is greater
- Schools to return to face-to-face learning
- Gyms to reopen with strict density limits
- No visitors allowed in the home
- Community sport to return
- Public gatherings are limited to 10 people
- Funerals and weddings are limited to 50 people
- No crowds at large events like the football and in theatres
For more information, head to coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
UPDATE: Monday 26 JULY
Update: Tuesday 20 July
Following thirteen new COVID-19 cases in Victoria, State Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that lockdown will be extended until 11:59pm on Tuesday 27 July.
While there will be some change to outdoor work, special needs schooling and other specific industries, for the most part, Victorians will follow the same lockdown restrictions that were put into place last week.
Find out more information via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Monday 19 July
State Premier Daniel Andrews has said lockdown won't be lifted at11:59pm on Tuesday 20 July as originally planned.
"We will not be ready to lift this lockdown at midnight tomorrow night," said Andrews.
Further details on the lockdown extension will be announced tomorrow.
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
UPDATE: THURSDAY 15 JULY
Following the recent COVID-19 outbreak across greater Melbourne, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a snap five day lockdown beginning at 11:59pm tonight. Here's what you need to know:
- Five reasons to leave the home will be reintroduced, meaning you can only leave the home for exercise, shopping for essentials, work or education, caregiving and essential care, and to get vaccinated
- For shopping and exercise, you must stay within 5km of your home unless the closest shops are further than 5km
- Hospitality to close except for takeaway
- Retail to close for at least seven days
- Masks mandatory indoors and outdoors
- No guests to the home aside from an intimate partner
- Single people living alone can nominate one person for their 'bubble'
- Funerals are limited to 10 people
- Weddings can not proceed unless under extreme circumstances
- Entertainment venues to close
- Most education to be online only
Information is via coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Thursday 15 July
Following the announcement of new COVID cases across greater Melbourne, mask rules have changed overnight.
As of 11:59pm Wednesday 14 July, masks are required in all indoor settings. Masks are also required outdoors if you can't socially from anyone who isn't a part of your household.
More information at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
update: Wednesday 14 July
Following last week's COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne, more exposure sites have been announced. Among the list is the MCG, and those who were at the game on Saturday 10 July, specifically between 4pm and 8pm, will need to monitor symptoms. Those who spent time at the MCC members reserve, level two, between 4pm and 8pm will need to take a test and self-isolate until a negative result is received.
Meanwhile, Highpoint Shopping Centre has also been listed as an exposure site at various times and stores on Friday 9 July. Depending on where and when you visited will dictate what actions you need to take, though it's likely you'll need to get tested if you visited on the day.
This information is up to date as of 4:30pm, Wednesday 14 July. For more information, and a full list of exposure sites, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites.
Update: Wednesday 7 July
The Victorian Government has announced a further easing of restrictions set to come into effect on Thursday 8 July at 11:59pm. Here's what you need to know:
- Masks will still be required indoors at public places, but you'll be able to take them off at the workplace if you don't interact with the public
- Dancefloors will return, but a maximum of 50 people will be allowed at any one time
- Public gatherings are capped at 50 people outdoors
- Density limits for hospitality will increase to one person per two square metres provided a COVID Check-In marshall is on-site
- Indoor entertainment venues with fixed seating (like cinemas and theatres) will increase tto 75% capacity
More information at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
UPDATE: WEDNESDAY 23 JUNE
Acting Premier James Merlino has just announced a further easing of restrictions after Melbourne’s COVID situation improves, the following changes are coming into effect as of 11:59pm on Thursday 24 June:
- Outdoor gatherings have an increased limit to 50 people
- Up to 15 visitors are now allowed to visit your home per day
- Working from home recommendations have been removed and limits increased
- Seated venues now have a maximum of 300 people indoors and 1000 outdoors
- Wedding limits have now been increased to 300 people
- Outdoor stadiums can host 50% of venue capacity up to a maximum of 25,000 people
- Current mask restrictions remain the same
More information at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
UPDATE: WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE
Following all recent COVID-19 cases being linked to existing outbreaks, the Acting Premier James Merlino has announced Melbourne's COVID restrictions will ease at 11:59pm on Thursday 17 June.
Here's what you need to know:
- No regional border
- No 25km travel radius
- Outdoor gatherings have an increased limit to 20 people
- Two adult visitors are now allowed to visit your home per day
- Gyms will reopen
- Masks are required at all indoor settings
- Masks no longer required for outdoor settings unless you aren’t able to socially distance
- Remaining entertainment venues to reopen with strict capacity limits
More information at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Wednesday 9 June
Following all recent COVID-19 cases being link to existing outbreaks, the Acting Premier James Merlino has announced Melbourne's lockdown will lift at11:59pm on Thursday 10 June. Restrictions will still be in place—here's what you need to know:
- The 10km radius has been extended to 25km's
- No visitors allowed in the home
- Outdoor gatherings limited to 10 people or less
- Retail to reopen with density limits
- Hospitality to reopen with density limits in place
- Indoor entertainment venues to reopen with seating limits
- Facemasks must be carried at all times and worn indoors
- Those who reside in Metropolitan Melbourne can only travel to Regional Victoria for work, essential care and education
More information at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Tuesday 8 June
After successfully linking the 13 recorded cases from the past 48 hours to existing outbreaks, the Acting Premier James Merlino has said Melbourne is "on track" for restrictions to ease at 11:59pm on Thursday as planned.
“Our contact tracing team has done exactly what we needed them to do."
“They have found the cases, they have tracked them down and they have isolated them," Merlino said at a press conference earlier this morning.
“Thanks to their outstanding work we remain on track to later in this week announce, as we have said we have planned to do all along, further easing of restrictions in regional Victoria and careful easing of restrictions in Melbourne.”
More information at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Wednesday 2 June
Following six new cases COVID-19 cases confirmed in the last 25 hours, the Acting Premier has announced an extension of the snap lockdown. Here’s what you need to know:
- The snap lockdown will extend until 11:59pm, Thursday 10 June
- Five reasons to leave the home will continue, meaning you can only leave the home for exercise, shopping for essentials, work or education, caregiving and essential care, and to get vaccinated
- For shopping and exercise, you must stay within 10km of your home unless the closest shops are further than 10km
- Hospitality to remain closed except for takeaway
- Retail to remain closed. Online and click and collect available
- Masks mandatory indoors and outdoors
- No guests to the home aside from an intimate partner
- Single people living alone can nominate one person for their 'bubble'
- Weddings can not proceed unless under extreme circumstances
- Entertainment venues to close
Restrictions for Regional Victoria are proposed to ease from 11:59pm on Thursday 3 June, however, Melburnians won’t be able to travel to Regional Victoria even if lockdown finishes on Friday 11 June. More information at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Monday 21 May
Following last week's COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne's northern suburbs, more exposure sites have been announced. Among the list of 271 sites now listed is Chadstone Shopping Centre, where an infected person visited on Wednesday 26 May. Anyone who visited on the day between the hours of 11:53am and 2pm are required to get tested and self-isolated until a negative result is received. Those that visited Yokozuna Ramen—which has been listed as a tier one site—at Chadstone Shopping Centre between 11:55am and 12:52pm on the same day will be required to get a COVID test and self-isolated for 14 days regardless of the result.
Other sites recently listed include Dan Murphy's in Brunswick East, Coles in Port Melbourne and Woolworths in South Melbourne.
For the full list of exposure sites, head to coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Update: Thursday 27 May
Following the growing number of confirmed cases from Melbourne’s COVID-19 outbreak, the Acting Premier James Merlino has announced a seven-day lockdown beginning at 11:59pm tonight. Here’s what you need to know:
- Five reasons to leave the home will be reintroduced, meaning you can only leave the home for exercise, shopping for essentials, work or education, caregiving and essential care, and to get vaccinated
- For shopping and exercise, you must stay within 5km of your home unless the closest shops are further than 5km
- Hospitality to close except for takeaway
- Retail to close for at least seven days
- Masks mandatory indoors and outdoors
- No guests to the home aside from an intimate partner
- Single people living alone can nominate one person for their 'bubble'
- Funerals are limited to 10 people
- Weddings can not proceed unless under extreme circumstances
- Entertainment venues to close
- Most education to be online only
More information at vic.gov.au.
Update: Tuesday 25 May
Today, Acting Premier James Merlino announced the reintroduction of several COVID-19 restrictions following five confirmed cases in Melbourne's north. They'll come into effect from 6pm tonight; here's what you need to know.
- Masks mandatory indoors and outdoors
- Homes can have a maximum of five visitors per day
- Public gatherings limited to 30 people
- Bars and restaurants will remain open, however, a mask must be worn unless you're eating or drinking
More information at vic.gov.au.
Update: Tuesday 23 March
Today, Acting Premier James Merlino announced Melbourne's Coronavirus restrictions will ease further on Friday 26 March at 6pm. Here's what's changing:
- Masks no longer required in retail stores, but you'll still need to wear one in rideshare vehicles, taxis, public transport, hospitals and aged-care facilities
- Up to 100 people can gather in the home
- Up to 200 people can gather in public spaces
- Crowds at large-scale events will increase to 75%
- No caps on dancefloors
- Non-seated entertainment can host up to 75% capacity
- No percentage cap on office spaces, though the density limit remains at one person per two square metres
Update: Friday 26 February
Premier Daniel Andrews' has announced changes to restrictions after just two locally acquired COVID-19 cases were recorded in the state. This is what you need to know:
- Households can host up to 30 people over the course of a day
- Up to 100 people can gather outdoors
- Masks only required in high-risk areas such as supermarkets, public transport and in large crowds
- Up to 75% of staff can return to their places of work in the private and public sector
Update: Wednesday 17 February
After no new cases recorded in Victoria over the last 24 hours, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced the snap five-day lockdown will lift at 11:59pm tonight. Some rules will, however, remain—here's what you need to know.
- Masks to be worn inside and out if you can't physically distance
- A maximum of five visitors are allowed in the home
- Public gatherings of 20 people from any number of households are allowed
- People can return to work, subject to 50% capacity in the public and private sector
- Retail and hospitality to reopen with the same capacity limits as before lockdown
- Entertainment and public events can resume subject to capacity limits
- Funerals and weddings can resume subject to capacity limits
More information at vic.gov.au.
Update: Friday 12 February
Following five new COVID cases in Melbourne announced overnight, and several exposure sites including at the Melbourne Airport, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a snap stage 4 five-day lockdown beginning at 11:59pm tonight to 11:59pm Wednesday 17 February.
Here's what you need to know:
- The four reasons to leave the home will be in place. Those are: shopping for essentials, exercise, caregiving and work, and only if it's essential
- Facemasks to be worn inside and outdoors
- Gyms, pools, entertainment venues and libraries to close
- Non-essential retail to close
- Cafes and restaurants can remain open for takeaway only
- Funerals can go ahead with 10 people or less
- Weddings cannot take place
Update: Wednesday 3 February
Following a hotel quarantine staff member testing positive for COVID-19, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a snap lockdown. Here's everything you need to know.
- Private gatherings have been limited to 15 people
- Masks will now be required inside
- The public and private sectors will stay at the current capacity in the workplace, rather than extending return to work capacity of 75%
UPdate: Thursday 31 December
After three new COVID-19 cases linked to Smile Buffalo restaurant in Black Rock, Victoria's acting Premier Jacinta Allan has announced several changes to restrictions. Here's what you need to know:
- Gatherings in the home will be reduced to a maximum of 15 people as of 5pm today
- Masks will be mandatory indoors from 5pm today
More information at vic.gov.au.
Update: Sunday 6 December
Today, Premier Daniel Andrews announced further easing of restrictions which will take place at 11:59pm tonight. Here’s what you need to know:
- Households can host a total of 30 guests per day
- Outdoor gatherings will increase to 100 people
- Capacity limits at venues will be removed indoors and outdoors
- A density requirement of one person per two square metres will instead be in place
- Dancefloors are back with one person per four square metres (50 maximum)
- Weddings and funerals will have no cap, and will follow the above density requirements
- Masks will only be required in places like supermarkets, shopping centres, department stores and indoor markets
Update: Sunday 22 November
Today, Premier Daniel Andrews several significant changes to Victoria’s Coronavirus restrictions, taking the state to the final stage before reaching a ‘COVID normal’.
The following changes take place at 11:59pm tonight.
- Masks will no longer be required outside provided you can social distance
- Households can have up to 15 visitors in their home
- Up to 10 people can book a holiday rental together
- Up to 50 people can gather in a public place
- The capacity at gyms will increase to 100 people
- Indoor pools can have up to 50 swimmers at any one time
- Up to 500 people can gather at outdoor sporting venues
- Hospitality venues can host up to 100 guests indoors
- Hospitality venues can host up to 200 guests outdoors
- The capacity at cinemas, galleries and museums will increase to 150 people per space
- Libraries can have up to 100 guests
- Up to 150 people can attend weddings
- Outdoor religious ceremonies will increase to a capacity of 500
- Up to 100 people can attend funerals
From Monday 13 November, 25% of staff can return to the office.
And from Sunday 13 December, 30 people will be allowed in the home, just in time for Christmas.
More information at vic.gov.au.
UPDATE: Sunday 8 November
After nine days without any cases or deaths, Daniel Andrews has announced significant changes to restrictions, taking metropolitan Melbourne to stage 3.
The changes come into effect at 11:59pm tonight.
- The 25km travel limit will be removed
- The 'ring of steel' between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria no longer applies
- Households can have two visitors, but those visitors don't need to be from the same home
- Overnight accommodation will reopen with some limitations
- Hospitality venues can have 40 guests inside and 70 guests outside
- Up to 20 people can attend a funeral indoors, and 50 outdoors
- Indoor gyms will reopen with a capacity of up to 20 people
- Indoor pools will reopen with a capacity of up to 20 people
- Cinemas will reopen with 20 guests per space
More information at vic.gov.au.
Update: Monday 26 October
Yesterday, there were zero cases in Victoria. It has been 139 days since the last time we registered zero cases.
"Now is the time to open up"
Premier Daniel Andrews has announced the following changes to restrictions from 11:59 Tuesday 27 October:
- All retail reopens
- Restaurants, hotels, cafes and bars reopen. Indoor maximum 20 people, outdoor maximum of 50 people
- Beauty, personal services & tattooists will reopen
- Outdoor community sport for U18 recommenced, outdoor non-contact sport for adults
- 25km radius stays in place
- Outdoor gatherings stay at a maximum of 10 people
- Gatherings no longer limited to 2 households
- Home visit changes will be announced on Tuesday
The 25km travel limit and regional border will be removed from 11:59pm Sunday 8 November. Gyms will also reopen on this date.
More information at vic.gov.au.
UPDATE: SUNDAY 25 October
Last Tuesday, Premier Daniel Andrews suggested that easing of restrictions could be brought forward to today, but with several outbreaks in Melbourne's north, Andrews today announced that restrictions could stay as they are until the originally planned date11:59pm on Sunday 1 November.
Provided case numbers stay low, these are the changes expected to take place next Sunday:
- Four reasons to leave home will be removed
- Retail reopens
- Hospitality reopens, 20 people inside, 50 people outside
- Contact sport for U18 recommences
- Non-contact sport for U18 recommences
- Maximum of 10 people allowed at weddings
- Maximum of 20 people allowed at funeral
Regional Victoria received better news, with further restrictions easing from Wednesday 1 November, including the reopening of gyms and fitness studios. More information can be found at vic.gov.au.
Update: Sunday 18 October
After more than 100 days in lockdown, Premier Daniel Andrews has today announced the following changes to the restrictions and rules that Victorians have had to live by.
These rules come into effect for Melbourne from 11:59pm Sunday 19 October.
- There is no time limit for leaving your home for exercising or visiting others
- Groups of ten people from two households can gather in an outdoor setting
- The travel distance increases from 5km to 25km
- Tennis courts, golf courses, skate parks reopen
- Hairdressers reopen
- Outdoor pools can have 30 swimmers
- Indoor pools can open for one-on-one hydrotherapy sessions
- Outdoor photography is now allowed
From 11:59pm Sunday 1 November
- Four reasons to leave home will be removed
- Retail reopens
- Hospitality reopens, 20 people inside, 50 people outside
- Contact sport for U18 recommences
- Non-contact sport for U18 recommences
- Maximum of 10 people allowed at weddings
- Maximum of 20 people allowed at funerals
Further information can be found at vic.gov.au.
Update: Sunday 27 September
The Premier has announced the changes that will take place as of midnight tonight. Andrews also announced that we should be able to take the next step (lifting of 5km radius etc) from 19 October.
- 130,000 workers will return to work, further information at vic.gov.au
- VCE and VCAL students will return to school from October, Prep to Grade 6 will return to on-site learning from the week of 12 October
- Child care is open for all children, 5km limit does not apply
- Public gatherings outside are now at a level of 5 people, or two households gathering
- The limit of one person going shopping per day is now lifted
- One visitor allowed at hospitals for a maximum time of 2-hours
- All dental services are now allowed, not just emergencies
- Weddings permitted with a limit of five people, including the couple
- Outdoor exercise facilities, such as tennis clubs, bowls clubs etc remain closed
- Outdoor exercise (e.g hiking and fishing) is now permitted, within your 5km zone and for a maximum of 2-hours
- Outdoor pools will reopen
More information at vic.gov.au.
Update: Monday 14 September
The first step toward 'COVID normal' happens from today, here's what changes as of today.
- Curfew remains in place, but is now 9pm to 5am
- Two people or a household can meet outdoors for a maximum of two hours for social interaction, exercise or recreation within 5km of their home
- People living alone or single parents can nominate one person with whom they can form a ‘single social bubble’. The ‘single social bubble’ allows you to visit each other for social connection. Single parents with dependents (including young children) who cannot be left alone will be allowed to include the dependents in the bubble. If you live in metropolitan Melbourne you can only form a bubble with someone in metropolitan Melbourne, not regional Victoria
- Childcare | Remains closed except for permitted workers
- Schools | Remote learning continues unless an exemption applies
- Outdoor recreation | Must be within 5km, all sport and recreation facilities closed, outdoor playgrounds open
- Exercise | Outdoors, up to two hours per day total, split into a maximum of two sessions. You can exercise with one other person or members of your household
The government has published an FAQs page that you can read here.
Update: Sunday 6 September
Earlier today, Premier Daniel Andrews announced that stage 4 lockdown will stay in place for another two weeks after the initial date of Sunday 13 September, until at least Monday 28 September. There are, however, some changes to restrictions taking place from Sunday 13 September:
- Two people or a household can meet for up to two hours of exercise.
- Those living alone can select one guest to have over or visit for the duration of lockdown
- Playgrounds will reopen
- The curfew will be extended to 9pm
A roadmap to a COVID-normal has also been released, with several checkpoints announced for the remainder of the year. If cases drop to an average of 30 to 50 cases for two weeks, further easing of restrictions will apply:
- Public gatherings of up to 5 people from a maximum of two households will be allowed
- Childcare will reopen
- Grades prep, one, two and years 10, 11 and 12 (VC/VCAL) to return to school
- Some workplaces will reopen
- Exercise with a personal trainer will be allowed
If there are less than five average daily cases for two weeks by Monday 26 October, the following changes will be made to restrictions:
- The 9pm curfew will no longer apply
- You won’t need a reason to leave home
- Gatherings at home will be extended to 5 people
- Public gatherings will be extended to 10 people
- Most retail will reopen
- Hospitality will begin to return recommence with outdoor seating
- Staged return to sport
If by Monday 23 November, Victoria records no new cases for two weeks, Melbourne will move to the final steps of reaching a COVID-normal. These include:
- No restrictions to leaving home
- Public gatherings of up to 50 will be allowed
- Gatherings at home will be extended to 20 people
- Hospitality will reopen for seated service
- All retail will reopen with heightened safety restrictions
- Contact sports will return with a phased approach
- Gatherings, museums and other entertainment venues will reopen with some restrictions in place
- Grades 3 to 10 will return to school, subject to public health advice
Regional Victoria will see some changes take effect on 11:59pm, Sunday 13 September. These include the reopening of some retail, public gatherings of up to five people and childcare returning.
Find out more on Victorian's metropolitan and regional roadmaps here.
Update: Monday 24 August
Premier Daniel Andrews has reported this morning that Victoria's State Of Disaster could be in place for 12 months.
“The important thing here is that before September 13 ... will extend the state of emergency provisions within the Public Health and Well-Being Act for a maximum of 12 months,” said Andrews.
As with all rules and restrictions, such as the mandatory wearing of masks, this can be changed at any time.
“I think we are going to engage with all parties in the Victorian Parliament quite soon to talk about those changes and hopefully we can both have a very important agreement about how and when the Parliament sits and then we can have an orderly process to make those necessary changes,” Andrews stated.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos today announced that a new dashboard will be released today that will show virus hot spots, allowing Melburnians to keep track of any outbreaks in their local council area.
“People will be able to see, in their local area, whether there has been an exposure to a known case in their community,” said Mikakos.
Update: monday 3 August
Further announcements have been made on top of the stage 4 restrictions made public on Sunday 2 August.
The below outlines further clarifications around specific businesses:
- Supermarkets, grocery stores, bottle shops, pharmacies, petrol stations, banks, news agencies, post offices, and everyone involved in frontline response will continue to operate
- Industries, where onsite operations will have to cease for the next six weeks, include retail, some manufacturing, and administration. These will close at 11:59pm Wednesday 7 August
- Retail stores can operate only under click-and-collect
- Hardware stores will only be open to tradespeople
- Construction sites will operate with a maximum of 25% of their normal workforce
With supermarkets and grocery stores remaining open, there is no need for panic buying.
Update: Sunday 2 August
Due to the high rate of community transmission, Premier Daniel Andrews has brought in new rules for Victorians to abide by.
The Premier has declared a State Of Disaster in Victoria from 6pm tonight.
New restrictions for Melbourne include:
- You must stay within a 5km radius of your home when shopping
- Only one person from your household can go out for essentials once per day
- You must stay within a 5km radius of your home when exercising, and can only do so for one hour a day
- From 8pm tonight a curfew will be implemented across metropolitan Melbourne. The curfew will be from 8pm until 5am every night. Exceptions include seeking care, or working
Supermarkets, butchers, bakers, bottle shops will all remain open.
New restrictions for regional Victoria include:
- From midnight Wednesday 5 August, the rest of Victoria will move back to stage 3 stay-at-home restrictions
These rules will remain in place until Sunday 13 September at this stage.
Update: Tuesday 7 July
Melbourne will go back to stage 3 restrictions for a period of six weeks from midnight Wednesday 8 July.
The four reasons to leave your home apply once again:
- For work or education when you can't do so at home
- For care or compassionate reasons
- To purchase groceries or essential items
- Exercise outdoors
School holidays will continue for a further 5 days with the start of term 3 being pushed back. Further details will come this week on the resumption of school.
Restaurants and cafes will only be able to offer take away once again, this will impact many venues as some will once again have to close.
Read further information at premier.vic.gov.au.
Update: Monday 6 July
The Victoria/NSW border will close as of 11:59pm Tuesday 7 July.
The decision was made jointly by Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews, NSW Premier Gladys Gladys Berejiklian and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
"We have – all of us – agreed that the best thing to do is to close the border," said Premier Andrews.
"That closure will be enforced on the NSW side, so as not to be a drain on resources that are very much focused on fighting the virus right now across our state.”
More details will be released later on Monday.
Update: Tuesday 30 June
"Hot spot" suburbs will revert to stage 3 lockdown as per an announcement by Premier Daniel Andrews today.
“These are extraordinary steps, these are not things we have had to do in the past but such is the nature of this virus, it is so wildly infectious that if we don’t take these steps now we will finish up in a situation than locking down ten postcodes we will be locking down every postcode,” Andrews said.
From 11:59pm Wednesday 1 July the following suburbs will revert to the four reasons to leave your home as indicated in the initial stage 3 lockdown:
- 3012: Brooklyn, Kingsville, Maidstone, Tottenham, and West Footscray
- 3021: Alban Vale, Kealba, Kings Park, St Albans
- 3032: Ascot Vale, High Point City, Maribyrnong, Travancore
- 3038: Keilor Downs, Keilor Lodge, Taylors Lakes, Watergardens
- 3042: Airport West, Keilor Park, Niddrie
- 3046: Glenroy, Hadfield, Oak Park
- 3047: Broadmeadows, Dallas, Jacana
- 3055: Brunswick South, Brunswick West, Moonee Vale, Moreland West
- 3060: Fawkner
- 3064: Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Mickleham, Roxburgh Park and Kalkallo
“There will only be four reasons that you are permitted to leave your house and only if you really have to,”
For work or school, for care or caregiving, for daily exercise, for food and other essentials. They are the acceptable reasons to leave, but only if you need to.” Andrews said.
Update: Saturday 20 June
Unfortunately this week we've seen a spike in cases around Melbourne.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced today that some of the restrictions that were due to be eased from Monday 22 June will stay the same, and some will go back to previous levels.
"From 11:59pm on Sunday, the number of visitors you can have at your home will reduce to five. Outside the home, families and friends can meet in groups up to ten. As we’ve seen across the world, this virus has the ability to turn a few cases into hundreds in a matter of days.
That’s why we also need to delay an increase to gathering limits in businesses and community facilities.
That means restaurants, pubs, auction halls, community halls, libraries, museums and places of worship—will all stay at a maximum of 20 people in any one space until 12 July. Businesses that were set to open on Monday like gyms, cinemas, theatres and TABs can do so—but again, only with a maximum of 20.
Community sport for kids and non-contact competition for adults can proceed as planned. Ski season and accommodation facilities with communal spaces will also open, but with increased screening and safeguards in place." said Premier Andrews.
Read the full media release here.
Update Sunday 14 June
Further restrictions will ease in Victoria from Monday 22 June.
Libraries, community centres, and halls will be able to open to 50 people. Religious ceremonies will now be permitted 50 people also.
Importantly, pubs in Melbourne will be allowed to have 50 seated patrons in the venue. And you'll be able to order beers without having a meal as well.
Read the full release from Premier Daniel Andrews here.
Update Friday 29 May
We've all heard that Melbourne restaurants, cafes, and bars will be reopening from Monday 1 June, but further advice was released by premier Daniel Andrews this morning.
From Monday 1 June there is no list of reasons to leave home, you can leave home for any reason. This is due to the great effort Victorians have gone to recently in staying safe and staying home when possible.
However, working from home is still a must in Victoria where possible.
"Some measures, though, must stay the same. One of the key things that won’t change is working from home. If you’re currently working from home—you must keep working from home.
By working from home, we limit the number of people moving around—and we limit the spread of this virus.
To date, we’ve left the ins and the outs of how this will work to Victorians and their employers.
But going forward—and in light of new evidence indicating increased activity—the obligation for employers to keep their staff working from home will now be included in the Chief Health Officer’s directions.
That means there will now be a clear and shared responsibility between workers and their bosses. For employees, that means an obligation to keep working from home. And for employers, an obligation to support them in doing so.
As we’ve said from the start, our actions will always be guided by evidence.
Right now, we can’t have the usual number of people on our trains, trams and buses—it just isn’t safe.
And we know that if just half the people who normally use public transport start driving to work, we will see our freeways and other major roads grind to a halt.
The number of people on the roads and the transport network is already starting to increase and we cannot let that creep continue.
If we do, then we’ll see commute times worse than anything any of us have ever experienced – two hours from Werribee to the city, 90 minutes from Reservoir and two and half hours from Mulgrave."
Read the full release here.
Update: Sunday 24 May
Earlier today, Premier Daniel Andrews made a statement which will see some lockdown laws in Victoria eased further beginning on Tuesday 26 May, with most rolling out at 11:59pm on Sunday 31 May.
“The whole way through this pandemic, our advice to Victorians has remained the same: “stay home”. Now, as we begin to settle into a new normal, our message is “stay safe”. That means maintaining your physical distance. Using common sense.
And as we ease restrictions, each of us playing our part to keep one another safe.” said Andrews.
The announcement includes the re-opening of public spaces such as outdoor gyms, skateparks and playgrounds, along with swimming pools and some campgrounds. More people will be allowed to attend significant ceremonies such as weddings and funerals, and cultural venues like museums, galleries and drive-in cinemas can operate under specific restrictions.
For the time being, however, it’s still recommended that those who are able to work from home continue to do so.
The points from the Premier:
- Outdoor gyms, playgrounds and skateparks will re-open from Tuesday 26 May
- From 11:59pm on Sunday 31 May, you’ll be allowed a total of 20 people in your home
- Outdoor gatherings will also increase to a total of 20 people
- Overnight stays at private residences will be permitted
- Overnight stays in accommodation will be permitted
- Campgrounds without communal facilities to re-open
- Libraries, youth centres and community facilities to re-open with a maximum of 20 people, plus the people needed to operate the facilities
- Cultural venues like galleries, museums, zoos, drive-in cinemas to re-open with a maximum of 20 people per space
- Swimming pools to re-open with a maximum of 20 patrons and additional safety measures in place
- Personal care businesses like salons and tattoo shops to reopen with up to 20 customers at one time
- Auctions and open-house inspections to resume with a 20 person limit
- Non-food and drink market stalls will be able to reopen
Read the full statement here.
Update: Sunday 17 May
Today Premier Daniel Andrews has made a statement regarding pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
"After smashing through our goal of 50,000 tests in the last week, the results of this data has given us the confidence we need to plan to slowly start lifting some more restrictions.
Today, and informed by the advice of the Chief Health Officer, I can announce our cautious and careful next steps.
The continuing low numbers of community transmission and the high rates of testing give us confidence that cafes, restaurants, pubs and other hospitality businesses can begin planning for a phased re-opening from the beginning of June.
From 1 June – cafes, restaurants and pubs will be able to reopen their doors to serve meals to up to 20 customers at a time per enclosed space.
From 22 June – this could increase to up to 50 patrons. During the second half of July, up to 100."
Read the full statement here.
Update: Monday 11 May
From 11:59pm Tuesday 12 May Victorians will be able to have 5 of their friends or family visit their home. Keeping it within a group of family and friends allows health services to trace the virus is another outbreak occurs.
Outdoor activities will also be permitted, no more than 10 people will be allowed to gather outdoors. Victorians will be allowed to hike, play footy, play golf, among other activities. All while remaining 1.5 metres apart.
Schools will not be going back just yet. Families have been told to expect that kids will not return to school as normal this term.
Melburnians can expect these rules to be in place for the rest of May.
The points from the Premier:
- Outdoor gatherings being permitted with up to 10 people
- Indoor gatherings at home are permitted, with 5 visitors able to visit the normal residents of a household
- The ability to leave the house for exercise will be expanded to include outdoor recreational activities. These activities can occur in groups of up to 10 people outside, but the requirements on physical distancing remain
- For weddings 10 guests are allowed, plus the couple and the celebrant
- For funerals, 20 people will be allowed at an indoor ceremony and 30 people at an outside ceremony. This is in addition to the minimum people required to conduct the funeral
- Religious gatherings and ceremonies will be permitted with up to 10 people, plus those required to perform the ceremony
Update: Friday 8 May
Prime Minister Scott Morrison held a press conference on Friday 8 May to discuss the expected three-stage plan to get back to a normal economy by July.
The stages states and territories will take can be seen in the plan below, each state and territory taking the next step as they see fit. Stages will be reviewed every three weeks.
Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that Victoria's restrictions will remain in place until at least Monday, after Mother's Day.
"This morning we had a very good national cabinet meeting," Mr Andrews said.
"Whilst I welcome the overall pathway, I also welcome the commentary from the Prime Minister that what is done and when ... is fundamentally a matter for state and territories. The rules remain in place until Monday."
Update: Monday 4 April
Most Melburnians have spent the last month or more mostly in isolation.
With four hard and fast rules to adhere to, Victorians have done a great job in helping curb the spread of coronavirus and flatten the curve.
All this points to a time when the lockdown rules begin to ease, but when will the lockdown end in Melbourne?
At this point, there is no firm date as to when restrictions might start to be rolled back.
Premier Daniel Andrews spoke about rules on 20 April.
"I don't think it is possible to have cafes, restaurants and bars open anytime soon," Mr Andrews said.
"There are opportunities for some of those recreational activities that people are not able to partake in, maybe we can change some of those rules.
"But I don't want to speculate too much. These numbers are not an invitation for us to simply remove all the rules.
"They're a validation our strategy is working. It is challenging but it is working."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed that lockdown rules will be in place until at least mid-May. With states to ultimately determine what happens after that.
It looks like take away and delivery from our favourite restaurants and cafes will be the norm for a while, we've got a live list of what's available around Melbourne here.
Image credit: Tiff Ng