After an eerily quiet weekend in Vincent Street on the weekend, we are all allowed out and about again.
The hard lockdown to deal with the Holiday Inn COVID cluster was lifted last night at midnight. There were no new cases yesterday.
Life can now go back to COVID-safe summer restrictions, with a few additions. There are no restrictions on leaving home but you have to have a face mask with you and use it indoors or when it is not possible to social distance outside.
Up to 5 visitors per day are permitted at home. Up to 20 people can meet outdoors. You can travel around the State and interstate (depending on each State’s restrictions).
Importantly for Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, hospitality and retail venues can reopen, including personal services like hair dressing and massage. Gyms can also reopen along with community facilities and sport.
Accommodation providers can reopen provided they adhere to the private gathering restrictions (up to 5 people can book jointly).
Schools are open and work places can have up to 50 per cent of office workers. There are still limits on visiting hospitals and care facilities, so you will need to check.
Weddings, funerals and religious gatherings no longer have limits in commercial venues but have to adhere to the two square metre rule. If they are conducted privately the private gathering limits (up to 5 people, not counting the celebrant and photographer) apply.
Larger venues like movie theatres can open with up to 50 per cent capacity up to a maximum of 300 people in any one space.
Outdoor entertainment venues are limited to 75 per cent capacity and up to a 1000 people.
Record keeping must be maintained for all community and commercial venues to make sure contact tracing is possible if there is another outbreak.
