REGIONAL Victoria has been given some relief from coronavirus restrictions.
From midnight on Sunday some measures have been relaxed by the Victorian government so provide social and economic benefits to the regions.
Among those changes a household can have two visitors, not including dependents, at a time.
Member for Mildura Ali Cupper said this would help provide more social connection.
“You will only be able to have two visitors plus dependants at any one time, but the ability to have a wider group of people into your home will be a relief given we have only been able to have a bubble with one other family,” she said.
“It will allow for more interaction in our homes with family groups and friends.”
Other changes being introduced from midnight Sunday include:
· Hospitality businesses able to host 40 customers indoors and 70 outdoors;
· Regional libraries and toy libraries to reopen to a maximum of 20 people;
· Outdoor gatherings will increase to 20 people;
· Indoor pools will reopen for a maximum of 20 people (under- 18);
· Outdoor religious gatherings will be allowed up to 20 people (to be increased to 50 from November 1); and a household rather than individuals can visit a care facility.
Non-contact indoor physical activity and non-contact indoor sport for under 18s for a maximum of 20 people will also be able to resume from November.
“This will allow things like dance classes to resume, which has been an issue the local arts community has lobbied hard for over the past few weeks,” Ms Cupper said
Ms Cupper said there were some restrictions she would continue to lobby the government to consider changing as soon as possible, including reopening gyms and allowing indoor sport to resume for adults.
“I have also been lobbying for the government to consider changing the mandatory mask rule to allow us not wear masks while outside, provided we can social distance, and I will continue to do so,” she said.
“Data shows the spread of the virus is much lower outside, provided social distancing can be observed, and with the hot weather just around the corner it is going to become much more difficult to wear masks outside in the Mildura electorate.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he understood some may still be frustrated with the restrictions.
“I understand that for some these changes won’t be enough. They’ll want more – and they’ll want it sooner,” he said.
But the whole way through this, we have been guided by our public health experts and their advice.
“None of us ever want to do this again. We have come too far – sacrificed too much – to give up now. “
