The Victorian Government has announced a further easing of restrictions from 11:59pm on Thursday 8 July.
For a detailed overview of the statewide settings, see the latest Table of Restrictions (located at the bottom of the announcement). These settings will be in place for 14 days, subject to public health assessments.
Following is a high-level summary.
Victoria to move to statewide settings
- Restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne will be brought into line with regional Victoria, which means all COVIDSafe settings will apply statewide.
- Masks will no longer be required in workplaces where workers do not interact with the public, such as in offices or factories.
- Masks will continue to be required in indoor, public facing settings, unless an exemption applies.
- Dancefloors will be allowed with a COVID Check-in Marshal, but no more than 50 people can be on the dancefloor at any one time.
- Theatres and productions in indoor seated venues (without food or drinks; with face coverings) that have been approved via the Public Events Framework can open to 75 per cent of their capacity, up to 2,000 people, with a density limit of one person per four square metres for non-seated areas and must be monitored by COVID Check-in Marshals. If food and beverage is served, the venue capacity remains at 50 per cent to a maximum of 1,000 patrons.
Creative industries statewide settings (under the Restricted Activity Directions)
- Creative studios: Open with a density limit of one person per two square metres when using a COVID Check-in Marshal, otherwise a density limit of one person per four square metres applies. No overarching venue cap. No group limits.
- Indoor fixed seated entertainment (such theatres and cinemas): Open with a per space limit of 300 and whichever is greater of:
- 75% of seated capacity; or
- DQ2 if the venue is using COVID Check-in Marshals, otherwise DQ4
- Outdoor fixed seated entertainment: Open with up to 75 per cent of seated capacity up to a maximum of 1,000 people per space. No group limits.
- Indoor non-seated entertainment venues (such as museums, galleries and live music):
- Open to a maximum of 300 people per space.
- Density limit of one person per two square metres applies when using a COVID Check-in Marshal, otherwise a density limit of one person per four square metres applies.
- Dancefloors permitted with a limit of 50 people if COVID Check-in Marshal is present.
- No group limits.
- Outdoor non-seated venues:
- Density limit of one person per two square metres applies when using a COVID Check-in Marshal at the entrance to all non-seated spaces, otherwise density a limit of one person per four square metres applies.
- Maximum of 1,000 per outdoor space and 300 per indoor space, limits apply in seated spaces. No group limits.
- Drive-in cinemas: Open with a maximum of 1,000 people per screen. Hospitality limits apply in hospitality settings.
- Public events and business events:
- Events can proceed in line with the settings (as set out in the Restricted Activity Directions) that relate to the venue (e.g. Entertainment and Leisure).
- Events wishing to go above these limits will need to be considered under the Public Events Framework settings and process.
- Further information is available at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/public-events
- Hospitality (food and drink facilities):
- Density limit of one person per two square metres applies when using a COVID Check-in Marshal, otherwise a density limit of one person per four square metres applies.
- Dancefloors permitted when using a COVID Check-in Marshal, with a limit of 50 people.
- Smaller venues can have up to 25 patrons before the density limit applies.
Check in everywhere, every time
All businesses and workplaces are required to use the Victorian Government QR Code Service, unless an exemption applies.
Victorians must check-in everywhere, every time. Businesses must ensure that every customer and visitor has checked-in, no matter how long they are at the premises.
Update your COVIDSafe Plan
Every business with on-site operations must have a COVIDSafe Plan.
Your COVIDSafe Plan is a list of safety actions that help reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace. It should be reviewed and updated regularly and discussed with your workers.
Get vaccinated – don’t wait until it’s too late
The vaccine reduces your risk of getting sick, and helps to protect your friends, family and community.
Please support your workers to get vaccinated. Appointments can be booked here.
More information is available at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
