COVID-19: Victoria’s latest coronavirus rules, explained

When do I need to wear a face mask

Masks no longer need to be worn outdoors, and indoors must be worn only in aged-care homes, hospitals, on public transport, in commercial vehicles and in retail settings of 2000 square metres or more, including shopping centres, shops inside shopping centres, department stores and supermarkets. Masks no longer need to be worn in schools. Acceptable coverings include surgical masks and cloth masks that cover the mouth and nose. 

Check out our ultimate guide to face masks for everything you need to know about how to wear and remove masks properly, as well as how to make your own.

Victorians are free to travel throughout the state.

Up to 30 guests from any number of households are permitted to visit private homes, and up to 100 people can attend public gatherings outdoors.

Hospitality venues can open fully, subject to density limits of one person per two square metres.

All retail shops can open, with density limits of one person per two square metres.

Hairdressing, beauty and personal care services are allowed to open, and masks can be removed if required for treatments.

Time limits on exercise have been removed. All indoor and outdoor sport and recreation can resume, and gyms, pools and indoor sports centres can reopen.

Yes. All outdoor recreation and sport is allowed to resume.

Weddings, funerals and religious gatherings can go ahead with any number of attendees, subject to venue density limits. Weddings or funerals held in private residences are allowed only 30 guests.

Indoor and outdoor seated venues are restricted to 75 per cent capacity (up from 50 per cent), with a maximum of 1000 people (up from 300). Indoor non-seated venues remain restricted to 50 per cent capacity, with a maximum of 1000 people (up from 300). 

All outdoor playgrounds are open, as are indoor play centres, skate parks and trampolining centres.

All community facilities including libraries, toy libraries and neighbourhood houses are allowed to open, with density limits.  

There are no longer restrictions on visits to hospitals and care facilities, but masks must be worn.

Schools have returned to onsite learning. Childcare and kinder remain open.

Property inspections and live auctions can resume, with density limits. (More: How to buy and sell property in a pandemic.) 

Yes. Get tested immediately if you experience even mild symptoms, such as a sore throat, runny nose, cough or fever, or if you have visited a location that has been identified as a COVID-19 risk area. After the test, you must stay at home until you receive a negative result. Even if you are asymptomatic, you must stay home until you receive a text message confirming you do not have COVID-19.

No matter where you live in Victoria, everyone has an important role to play in suppressing the spread of COVID-19. You can help keep yourself and others safe by:

• Maintaining 1.5 metres’ distance between yourself and people outside your immediate household.
• Wearing a mask in required indoor settings.
• Washing or sanitising your hands thoroughly and often especially after using the bathroom, before eating and after coughing or sneezing.
• Avoiding coughing or sneezing into your hands. Use the crook of your elbow or tissue, and dispose of the tissue as soon as possible before washing your hands.
• Getting a COVID-19 test immediately if you experience even mild symptoms, such as a sore throat, runny nose, cough or fever, then staying at home until receiving a negative result.

• For more detail about all Victoria’s current rules go to the Department of Health and Human Services’ COVID-19 information page.