Australia Corona Virus

Here are Victoria’s new COVID lockdown restrictions, and the differences between Melbourne and the regions

access_time3 years ago

Source: ABCnews

Victorian authorities have confirmed the state’s lockdown will be extended for at least another week.

But there are some changes coming as well, with different restrictions between Greater Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The new rules come into effect on Thursday, June 3 at 11:59pm, and will stay in place for at least a week. 

It will be mandatory for all Victorians across the state to check into shops, including supermarkets, using the Service Victoria QR code check-in.

Here’s what will change.LIVE UPDATES: Read our blog for the latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic

The new restrictions for Melbourne

A blue mask with a red heart and 'MELB' printed on it is attached to a tree on the side of the footpath at Southbank, Melbourne.
Melburnians are gearing up for an exetended lockdown.(ABC News: Billy Draper)

For Melbourne, there will still be only five reasons to leave home: shopping for food and supplies, authorised work and study, care and caregiving, exercise, and getting vaccinated.

There are also no changes to mask-wearing restrictions.

Here is what has changed:

  • The five kilometre radius around the home will be increased to 10 kilometres
  • Students in year 11 and year 12 will return to face-to-face learning, along with other students doing a Unit 3/4 VCE subject
  •  A number of outdoor jobs will be added to the authorised worker list, including painting, landscaping and letterboxing

The new restrictions for regional Victoria

A country road with a sign above saying Welcome to Victoria
If the regions can remain COVID-free, here is what will change from 11:59pm on Thursday.(ABC News: Mikaela Ortolan )

Regional Victoria’s restrictions depend on what happens over the next 24 hours.

But if the regions can remain COVID-free, here is what will change from 11:59pm on Thursday:

  • The five reasons to leave home will be removed and there will be no limit on the distance you can travel from home
  • Regional Victorians can only travel to Melbourne for a permitted reason and Melbourne restrictions apply while you’re there
  • Outdoor gatherings can occur with up to 10 people, and infants under 12 months are not included in that cap
  • Food and hospitality will be open for “seated service only” with a density rule of one person per four square metres
  • Retail can open and personal services such as beauty and tattooing can resume “where masks can remain on”
  • Religious gatherings of up to 50 people, plus one faith leader, indoors or outdoors will be allowed
  • Gathering limits for weddings of up to 10 people, 50 mourners at funerals
  • Junior outdoor community sport will return and adults can resume training outdoors
  • Outdoor pools can operate with a limit of 50 people and a density rule of one person per four square metres
  • Libraries can open with a cap of 50 people, subject to density limits
  • Outdoor seated entertainment will have a patron cap of 50 people, or 50 per cent of the venue capacity, whichever is lower
  • Businesses that are open in regional Victoria but closed in Melbourne, such as beauty and restaurants, must check the identity of everyone they serve