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With the state recording successive days with no new Coronavirus cases, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has today announced a further easing of the lockdown measures.

With the the boundary between Melbourne and regional Victoria and the limit on people travelling more than 25-kilometres from home ending 11:59pm tonight, gyms and indoor sporting facilities will be able to operate with up to 20 patrons;  indoor entertainment venues (including movie theatres, galleries, museums and music spaces) will be able to open with 20 people per space; and restaurants, pubs and cafes will be able to host up to 40 customers indoors and 70 outdoors.

Premier Andrews has also advised that, in line with the public health advice, from 22^nd November Victoria will move to the ‘Last Step’ in its roadmap towards reopening with further increases to private gatherings and hospitality venues able to have up to 100 indoors, 200 outside.

The move will also see increases for other indoor venues like cinemas and gym and galleries; as well as gyms and indoor sporting facilities (see table).

Nonetheless, Premier Andrews cautioned that “because the virus is still very much with us, the State of Emergency will be extended until 6th December to allow the Chief Health Officer’s directions to remain in force.”

The announcement has been welcomed by Fitness Australia as a “common sense” move.

Applauding Premier Andrews’ announcement, Fitness Australia Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish advised “today’s announcement is excellent news for fitness businesses, exercise professionals and the thousands of employees who will soon be able to resume a strong sense of normality and importantly operate in a commercially viable way.”

Image: Fitstop South Melbourne.

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