Waking up to freedom – Melbourne brings Delta variant under control

Residents in Melbourne and the state of Victoria are waking up to a little bit more freedom this morning after Premier Daniel Andrews announced a relaxing of Covid restrictions

Melbourne has now exited from its 5th lockdown.

Hospitality and retail venues will reopen, students can return to school and office buildings can have up to 25 percent of workers.

Masks will still be required both indoors and outdoors and crowds will not be allowed back at big events like this weekend’s football.

However, it’s a different story for Sydney and the state of New South Wales after the government announced a four-week extension to lockdown restrictions last night.

The state recorded 172 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday, the biggest daily increase since the current outbreak began, 61 of these individuals were in the community whilst infectious.

Meanwhile, Melbourne and Victoria is the first location in the world to bring the Delta variant under control following an outbreak.

What changes for Victoria?

This news will be a welcome relief for businesses who have been severely impacted by this fifth lockdown.

“To every Victorian who checked in with our QR system, who got tested and quarantined, and stayed home to slow the spread of this virus, thank you – it’s because of you we’ve able to get on top of this Delta outbreak and open up our state”

PREMIER DANIEL ANDREWS

The conservative easing of regulations will see hospitality and retail reopen, with strict density limits, but masks will still be required both indoors and outdoors and visitors at home will remain banned. 

Public gatherings will be allowed with up to 10 people, with infants under 12 months not included in the cap.

“Today is welcome news but with thousands of Victorians in quarantine, we need to remain vigilant to keep each other safe – so please check in everywhere, every time, wear a mask and get vaccinated as soon as you’re eligible.

MINISTER FOR HEALTH MARTIN FOLEY

However, due to the significant transmission risk we have seen throughout the pandemic, gatherings in the home are still not permitted. People will only be able to book accommodation with their household, intimate partner or single bubble person.

Live music venues, dance classes and physical recreation facilities, including gyms, will all open with density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm.

“We understand that that will be challenging for people who have not seen family and friends for a couple of weeks now … but we know that this is where transmission occurs.”

Mr Andrews also said there will be no crowds at large gatherings for a few weeks.

“No crowds at large events theatres or those sorts of gatherings for at least two weeks.”

A maximum of 50 people will be permitted at weddings. Funerals will also have a cap of 50 mourners, plus those conducting the funeral.

Health officials say they take “some comfort” in knowing that all cases over the past 48 hours have been in isolation whilst infectious.