Published on 21/10/2021 by Any Business.Com.Au

Business is back in Victoria! Well, sort of...

It's fair to say there's been a significant amount of confusion around which businesses can open, how these businesses are allowed to operate and what people can actually do when Melbourne eases out of its sixth covid-related lockdown today (Friday, 22nd October).

So as a business for businesses (and the people), we thought we'd have a look and try and clear some of the clutter.

The Situation

After over 75 days, Melbourne awakes today to an easing of covid-19 restrictions that have been in place to some degree since August 5, the beginning of the state capital's 6th lockdown.

The respite comes as Victoria records a 70% double dose vaccination rate and is well on its way to 80% and beyond.

What changes?

From today:

  • The curfew that has been in place will be no longer
  • There are no longer any travel limits across metropolitan Melbourne
  • The 'six reasons to leave home' restriction does not apply
  • Home visits with restrictions will be allowed
  • All students will attend classrooms part-time

So what exactly do the changes mean?

The Curfew

There is simply no curfew in place in terms of being out of your primary place of residence at any particular time.

Travel Limits

Despite the notion that a 25km radius may still apply, all travel restrictions within metropolitan Melbourne have been scrapped.\

Leaving Home

The six reasons to leave home: to provide care, to get a vaccination, to complete authorised work, to get food and supplies, for exercise or for outdoor social interaction; no longer apply.

Home Visits

Up to 10 people, including dependants can visit a home each day. Up to 15 people can gather outdoors in a public place.

Hospitality

Pubs, clubs and entertainment venues can open to 20 fully vaccinated people indoors and 50 fully vaccinated people outdoors. All staff must be also be fully vaccinated.

Funerals & Weddings

Funerals and weddings allow for 20 fully vaccinated people indoors and 50 fully vaccinated outdoors.

School

All students to return to school at least part-time.

Hairdressers

Hairdressing and beauty salons to open for up to five fully vaccinated people at a time.

What are the rules for wearing face masks?

Masks must be still worn everywhere except for in your home.

This includes both indoor places and outdoor areas – unless you have a medical exemption. It also applies to all workplaces and secondary schools.

In regional Victoria, masks may be removed in hairdressing and beauty salons if the service requires it.

It is recommended all primary-school-age children wear masks indoors and outside, except when at home or if an exception applies.

Is regional Victoria included?

Regional Victoria has its own set of less strict restrictions in place however, Melbournians are absolutely not permitted to travel to regional Victoria.

Can I go to the beach?

This time the Mornington Peninsula has been included as part of metropolitan Melbourne and Melbourne residents are permitted to travel to this part of the state.

Can I eat at a restaurant or cafe?

Yep! Although patron caps detailed above will apply - make sure you book your fave place ASAP.

Business Requirements

Businesses will be required to check the vaccination status of all patrons it admits to their premises. All staff must also be fully vaccinated.

Are the shops open?

Essential retail such as supermarkets and chemists will remain open, however the majority of retail stores will have to wait until the state hits the magical 80% double dose rate.

Enjoy your new found freedom Victoria! It can only get better from here.

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AnyBusiness.com.au

Curtis is a leading expert in the business-for-sale industry, serving as a senior content creator at anybusiness.com.au.

With a career spanning over fifteen years, Curtis has accumulated extensive knowledge in the domain of business sales, acquisitions, and valuations. His deep understanding of market dynamics and his ability to translate complex industry jargon into accessible insights make him a trusted resource for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to buy or sell businesses.

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