Restaurants, cafés, hotels and bars in Melbourne will be allowed to reopen from Tuesday October 27 11:59pm, five days earlier than first announced by the Victorian government.
A maximum of 20 people will be allowed indoors, with 10 diners allowed per space; the four square-metre density rule applies. Outdoors, a maximum of 50 diners will be permitted, with a density limit of two square-metres per person. Only seated service is permitted.
The reopening of hospitality venues was originally slated for November 1, 11:59pm.
In addition to the earlier reopening of the industry, retail businesses will be permitted to reopen from Tuesday night.
There is more easing of restrictions on the horizon. From 11:59pm on Sunday November 8, the 25-kilometre travel limit for metropolitan Melbourne will be lifted, and the border between Melbourne and regional Victoria will be removed.
By this time, hospitality venues will be permitted to have a maximum of 40 diners indoors, with a 10-person cap per space. Up to 70 people will be allowed outdoors.
The news comes as Victoria recorded no new cases of coronavirus today. It’s the first time in 137 days that the state has recorded zero new cases.
The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews acknowledged these “big steps” out of the state’s lockdown restrictions.
“We have all given a lot, I’m so proud and impressed and humbled by the contribution that so many Victorian families have made, so many Victorian businesses have made,” said the Premier in a press conference this afternoon. “If this is to mean something we have to take our COVID-19 responsibilities to stay safe, and stay open, to stay safe and stay connected.”
