Coronavirus Update: Thank you to every single person who has done their part in fighting this virus

Over the course of this past weekend, we asked Victorians living in our northern suburbs to get tested. They did just that - and not a single new case has been found. The last time Victoria had zero cases was 139 days ago.

I want to thank everyone who has done the right thing by getting tested and followed the directions of the Chief Health Officer, it hasn’t been easy, it has tested us all. But it’s because of our collective efforts that we have these positive results and that gives us confidence that we are firmly on top of this virus. I also want to thank the nurses, lab technicians, collectors, couriers – everyone who has been working around the clock to process tests.

Because of this, Melbourne can now move out of lockdown and into the Third Step. From 11:59pm on Tuesday 27 October, Melbourne will move from ‘stay home’ to ‘stay safe’, with no more restrictions on the reasons to leave home.

· Melbourne’s cafes, restaurants and pubs can reopen. Density limits, record keeping and COVIDSafe Plans will apply.

· Remaining retail will also open. Beauty and personal care services can resume, with COVIDsafe plans in place including mask-wearing.

· Libraries and community venues will be able to open for outdoor events. Outdoor entertainment venues can also begin hosting visitors.

· Outdoor contact sport for those aged 18 years and under will also begin again – so too can non-contact sport for adults. PT, fitness and dance classes can also be held outdoors with up to 10 people, and the number of people at outdoor pools can increase to 50, subject to density limits.

· Faith communities will be able to meet for outdoor religious ceremonies with up to 20 people, in addition to those required for the service. Indoor services can be held with up to 10. Weddings will increase to 10 people, and funerals up to 20.

· Workplaces will no longer need to be on the permitted work list to open and the ability to work will change to ‘if you can work from home you must work from home’.

· Gatherings will no longer be limited to two households outdoors as long as there is a maximum of ten people.

The 25-km limit will remain in place until 8 November. It is about making sure that as we ease restrictions, we’re limiting the virus’s ability to travel. It’s also why the border between regional Victoria and Melbourne will remain in place – for just a bit longer.

From 8 November, and if we continue driving case numbers down, the 25km limit will come off and Melbourne will have the same eased restrictions that apply to regional Victoria.

· The capacity of pubs and restaurants will increase, with up to 40 inside and 70 outside.

· Religious gatherings will expand with up to 20 people and a faith leader indoors, and 50 outside.

· Gyms and indoor fitness will be able to reopen – with some strict safety precautions in place.

· Accommodation will reopen.

· The border between the city and the rest of our state will also fall away.

I know just how much this will mean for everyone in our community who haven’t been able to see loved ones for far too long. Like you, I want to reach COVID Normal by Christmas and right now, we’re on track to do that. We have come so far and given so much. Understanding that even though restrictions may ease, our personal responsibility in all this doesn’t. It’s up to all of us to make this work.

Getting to this point is a credit to every single member of the Victorian community. Please keep going.

Martin

More information here.