Mornington Peninsula Shire has welcomed the latest easing of COVID-19 restrictions announced by the Premier on Sunday 24 May.
Shire Mayor Councillor Sam Hearn said the announcement of further restrictions was a sign that we are slowly and cautiously heading in the right direction.
"Our peninsula community has been wonderful over the past couple of months and I want to thank everyone for following the health guidelines and looking out for each other".
"If we stay the course and do the right thing, there'll be more announcements on 22 June that will see a further easing of restrictions – something we're all looking forward to".
"This will be encouraging for local businesses, and in particular the tourism and hospitality sector, major employers in our region".
"In the meantime, I remind everyone that we still need to remain vigilant and cautious and to observe the social distancing rules and practice good hygiene".
From 11.59pm tonight playgrounds, skateparks, outdoor gym equipment and park assets such as furniture and BBQs will all progressively re-open for a maximum of 10 people (and then 20 people from 11.59pm. on 31 May).
From 11.59pm on Sunday 31 May, these local measures will come into effect:
- Libraries, youth centres and other community facilities may be able to open, if they need to operate and can do so with 20 people in a single area that complies with the social distance rules.
- Men's sheds and arts and crafts classes can resume.
- Entertainment and cultural venues like galleries, museums, drive-in cinemas and historic sites can open.
- Swimming pools can also open with limits of 20 people and additional safety requirements in place.
- Community sporting activities will also be permitted with up to 20 people in undivided spaces, provided the sport is outdoors, non-competition, non-contact, and people are able to play 1.5 metres apart.
- Non-food and drink market stalls can open.
- Overnight stays can resume at private residences as can overnight stays in tourism accommodation.
- Campgrounds and caravan parks can open –communal facilities like kitchens or bathrooms will remain closed. Shire camping season proposed to re-open in October 2020.
- Up to 20 people allowed at weddings – plus the celebrant and couple.
- Up to 50 people allowed at a funeral, in addition to those required to conduct the ceremony.
- Up to 20 people will be allowed at other religious ceremonies, in addition to those required to perform the service.
- All outdoor gatherings can also increase to 20 people.
- You can have a total of 20 people in your home. For a family of four, that means 16 visitors.
- For those able to work from home, you must keep working from home – at least until the end of June.
Please note:
Further advice will be provided following the final Gazetting of the State Government revised restriction requirements.
Social distancing rules of 1.5m and 4m2 per person apply
Further updates from the State Government are expected on 22 June.
For more detailed information about these local measures: mornpen.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
