Despite a number of restriction changes for regional Victoria, there is no change to restrictions for the construction sector.
The Victorian Government has announced lockdown restrictions will be lifted in regional Victoria from 11.59 pm on Thursday 9 September.
A summary of the changes is outlined below. For a detailed overview of the restrictions changes, see the Table of Restrictions.
There is no change to restrictions for the construction sector.
Key points:
- The five reasons to leave home will be removed in regional Victoria, except for Greater Shepparton.
- There will be no limit on the distance regional Victorians can travel from home – other than restrictions on entry to metropolitan Melbourne.
- Regional Victorians will return to the rule 'if you can work from home, you should work from home' but up to 25 per cent capacity of office workers may return, or up to 10 people, whichever is greater.
There remains a significant risk of Delta cases seeding from NSW or metropolitan Melbourne. Therefore:
- There is no change to restrictions for the construction sector.
- Restaurants and cafes can reopen for seated service with patron caps.
- Retail, hairdressing, entertainment venues and community facilities will also open with density limits and patron caps.
- Masks will continue to be required indoors and outdoors, including workplaces, unless an exception applies.
- While restrictions remain in metropolitan Melbourne, businesses that are open in regional Victoria – such as restaurants or beauty services – must check the IDs of everyone they serve.
- Funerals will be permitted for up to 20 people and weddings will be permitted for up to 10 people, plus those required to conduct the service. Stricter limits will be in place for weddings and funerals if people from Melbourne are in attendance.
- Regional schools will reopen for onsite learning for Prep to Grade 2 and Year 12 students. Remote learning will remain for all other levels. Onsite supervision at schools is available for vulnerable children and children of essential workers in all year levels, including for students from metropolitan Melbourne.
Restriction update for metropolitan Melbourne
There is one change to restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne. Single parents will now be able to access childcare, regardless of whether they are an authorised worker.
Keeping regional communities safe
Victoria Police will significantly expand their operation along the metropolitan border to protect regional Victoria. Police in regional Victoria will also conduct spot checks. The fine for breaching the Chief Health Officer's directions is $5,452.
Vaccination update
When more people are vaccinated, there will be fewer outbreaks and less need for restrictions.
All Victorians are encouraged to book their vaccination by visiting portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or by phoning the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
Group bookings are now available at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/group-bookings-service.
