Melburnians enjoy taste of freedom as lockdown restrictions ease

Living Well | Tianna Nadalin | Posted on 18 June 2021

Private gatherings allowed and masks no longer required outdoors. Here's what you need to know about Victoria's latest COVID-19 rules.

Young girl serving patron coffee at cafe

Easing of restrictions means density limits for metropolitan hospitality venues have increased. Photo: Getty. 

After weeks of strict stay at home orders, Melbourne is gradually emerging from lockdown, with further easing of restrictions coming into effect as of 11:59pm on 17 June.

Among the raft of changes, the metro border and 25km travel ban have been removed, masks are no longer required outdoors and private gatherings of two guests per day will be allowed at the home. Gyms and other indoor entertainment venues have also been given the green light to re-open.

Though the 25km travel ban has been be scrapped, under a strict new measure, Acting Premier James Merlino said Melburnians wanting to travel to the snow this season must return a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departing.

"We want to keep regional Victoria free of this virus," he said. "That's why the public health team have recommended slightly stronger settings for metropolitan Melbourne."

The new restrictions will be in place for at least the next week.

Chief Health Officer professor Brett Sutton thanked Victorians for their commitment to getting tested and reminded all Victorians to isolate if they experienced any symptoms, get a COVID-19 test and, for those eligible for vaccination, to get one as soon as possible. 

Man skiing at Lake Mountain

Melburnians wanting to travel to the snow this season will have to return a negative COVID-19 test. Photo: Visit Victoria. 

Latest COVID-19 lockdown rules for Victoria

Victoria's current COVID-19 rules

Victoria's current COVID-19 rules

Metropolitan Melbourne

Regional Victoria

LEAVING HOME

The five reasons to leave home no longer apply

The five reasons to leave home no longer apply.

MASKS

No longer required outdoors unless you cannot maintain a 1.5 metre distance but must still be worn indoors at all times.

No longer required outdoors unless you cannot maintain a 1.5 metre distance but must still be worn indoors at all times.

TRAVEL

25km travel ban scrapped, however, Melburnians travelling to the snow will need to return a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their trip.

No restrictions.

GATHERINGS

Two adults (plus dependents) per day are allowed to the home. Public gatherings increased to 20 people.

Five adults (plus dependents) per day are allowed to the home. Public gatherings increased to 50 people.

HOSPITALITY

Restaurants and cafes can have up to 25 people before the density quota of 1 person per 4sqm applies. Maximum group size of 10 people.

Restaurants and cafes can have up to 300 people per venue for seated service. Group sizes up to 50 people. Density quota of 1 person per 4sqm applies 

WEDDINGS

Limited to 20 people. Dance floors still not permitted.

Limit increased to 50 people.

FUNERALS

Limited to 75 people.

Limited increased to 100 people.

SCHOOLS

Open for face-to-face learning for all students.

Open for face-to-face learning for all students.

OFFICE WORKERS

Offices can return to 50 per cent capacity or a cap of 20 people, whichever is greater.

Offices can return to 75 per cent capacity or 30 people, whichever is greater

RETAIL

    Retailers operating in line with density limits of one person per four square metres.

Retailers operating in line with density limits of one person per four square metres.

BEAUTY THERAPY

Beauty services can return, where masks can be worn, subject to density limits.

Beauty services can resume, where masks can be worn, subject to density limits.

COMMUNITY SPORT

Can return for training and competition games, with no limits on travel into regional Victoria.

Community sport can resume for all ages for both training and competition.

AUCTIONS

Auctions can take place outdoors with a maximum of 50 people.

Auctions can take place outdoors with a maximum of 50 people.

ENTERTAINMENT

Some venues and community facilities (such as libraries, cinemas, and golf courses) can reopen, subject to density limits and further caps on numbers.

Some venues and community facilities (such as libraries, cinemas, and golf courses) can reopen, subject to density limits and further caps on numbers.

RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES

Capped at 75 people indoors with a maximum of 150.

Capped at 300 people.

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