Summary of changes to restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria

Summary of changes

From Sunday 11:59pm 18 October 2020 changes are being made to restrictions in both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Over the coming days more information about the changes to restrictions will be added to our Victoria's restriction level page and coronavirus Victoria website.

Changes for metropolitan Melbourne

Metropolitan Melbourne is in Second Step restrictions. From 11:59pm 18 October 2020 a number of restrictions are easing. The changes to restrictions include:

• You can now travel up to 25 km from your home or permitted workplace within metropolitan Melbourne. This replaces the 5km rule. Travel to regional Victoria is still only allowed for permitted purposes even if this is within 25 kms. This means you cannot travel into regional Victoria for exercise or recreation.
• You can leave home for any period of time to exercise or see friends and family outdoors. This replaces the two hour limit on these activities. There are no limits on the number of times you can leave home.
• You can meet in a group of up to ten people from a maximum of two households outdoors in a public place to socialise (children under 12 months of age not included in the limit). An outdoor public place means areas accessible to everyone, including local parks and beaches. This replaces the limit of five people from a maximum of two households.
• You can exercise in a group of up to ten people from a maximum of two households outdoors in a public place (personal training is limited to two people plus the trainer). This replaces the limit of five people from a maximum of two households.
• Some outdoor activities can take place in outdoor sport and recreation facilities. Outdoor sport and recreation facilities can open if:
  • They are predominantly used for outdoor sport or physical recreation
  • There is no equipment for hire or sharing
  • Indoor facilities such as change rooms are not permitted for use, however toilet facilities are permitted to open.
  • A limit of 10 people from 2 household per group or more than 10 if the entire group is from the same household and you must be able to keep 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
  • Restrictions to no more than 10 people in the facility at once except where a distance of at least 100m between groups can be maintained (e.g. golf courses).
  • Examples include some outdoor tennis courts, golf courses, or bowling greens.
• More people who work outdoors will be able to return to work. Groups of up to five workers who work outside, including those who do the following types of work can return to on-site work:
  • outdoor non-essential home maintenance and repairs, including painting
  • outdoor pool and spa maintenance/cleaning for private residences and other outdoor cleaning
  • external car washing. This must be contactless and administration offices must remain closed
  • mobile pet grooming at residential properties, contactless with strict controls
  • outdoor professional photography including school photos (for purposes other than currently permitted purposes, e.g. media, real estate), they must have an ABN.
  • letterboxing (for purposes other than local elections).
  • Solar power installers
• Hairdressers and barbers will be able to recommence work. This includes operating mobile businesses and at home businesses, if they are registered, have separate entrances, and COVIDSafe practices.
• Allied health providers that are currently listed on the permitted work premised list will be able to return to delivering all routine care
• Hydrotherapy can resume between one health care professional and one client in indoor pools. No group sessions will be permitted and there will maximum of 10 people per pool at one time for hydrotherapy (five health care professionals and five clients).
• The maximum number of people permitted to use outdoor swimming pools for exercise has been increased by the density quotient to a maximum of 30 people.
• Real estate auctions, both residential and commercial will be permitted outdoors with a limit of 10 people, plus the minimum number of people required to conduct the auction.
• Commercial real estate pre-arranged inspections with 1 agent and 1 prospective purchaser or tenant.
• Additional changes to retail, hospitality and personal services will be made from 1 November, in line with the advice of our public health team.

Source: DHHS website