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Victoria eases mask rules and COVID number caps

SUNRAYSIA residents will soon no longer have to wear face masks in retail settings and visitor numbers to Victorian homes will be increased.

Acting Premier James Merlino and Minister for Health Martin Foley said on Tuesday Victoria would further relax its COVIDSafe settings.

“We know the risk is far from over but, thanks to the incredible work of all Victorians, we’re continuing to open up and see the Victoria we all love return to life again,” Acting Premier James Merlino said.

“More Victorians back at work means more people supporting their local cafes, restaurants and live music venues, boosting the economy where it’s needed most.”

From 6pm on Friday, masks will no longer be required in retail settings but Victorians will still need to carry one at all times and wear it on public transport, in ride-share vehicles and taxis and in sensitive settings such as aged-care homes and hospitals.

Victorians will be able to host up to 100 people in their home per day and outdoor gatherings in public places can increase to 200 people.

Density limits in venues still operating under more restrictive settings, such as casinos, karaoke venues and nightclubs will move from one person per 4sq m to one person per 2sq m.

This is in line with cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Additional people will also be allowed in indoor non-seated entertainment venues, with an increase from 50 per cent to 75 per cent capacity.

However, the limit of 1000 people per space remains.

Dance floors will move to the same density limit of the venue and the 50-patron cap will also be removed.

There will no longer be limits on class sizes for outdoor and indoor physical recreation or fitness programs.

Unstaffed gyms will move from a density limit of one person to 8sq m to one person per 4sq m.

In a boost for the economy, the 75 per cent cap on private and public office workers will also be removed, which coincides with a revised flexible work policy for the Victorian Public Service.

While all workplaces are still required to ensure people can work from the office in a COVID-safe way with a density limit of one person per 2sq m, they will no longer be required to permit workers to work from home.

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