Hospitality, Retail and More Get the Green Light to Reopen on Wednesday – Ahead of Schedule

Today, for the first time since early June, Victoria recorded zero new coronavirus cases or deaths. And just moments ago, Premier Daniel Andrews shared some more good news.

In a press conference this afternoon, he announced that hospitality and retail would reopen from 11.59pm on October 27 – a few days ahead of schedule.

“Now is the time to open up, now is the time to congratulate every single Victorian on staying the course,” he said.

Subject to Covid-safe conditions, the following businesses and activities will be allowed to reopen and resume: restaurants, bars and pubs (capped at 20 people inside and 50 people outside); all retail; personal and beauty services and tattooing; and contact sports for kids and non-contact sport for adults.

The number of people permitted to gather outdoors remains limited to 10, but will not be limited to two households.

With regards to home visits, Andrews said he will announce further details tomorrow.

The four reasons to leave home no longer apply, but 25-kilometre travel limit will remain in place until 11.59pm on November 8. On November 9, the limit will no longer apply and travel between metro and regional Victoria will be permitted. “The state will be one again,” said the premier.

This news comes a day after Andrews said restrictions wouldn’t, in fact, be eased early, pointing to at least 1000 outstanding test results connected to an outbreak in the city’s northern suburbs. Today, he said, “Those results are all negative [and] we can rule out widespread community transmission.”

Planning your return to restaurants and bars? Consult our live lists:
Live List: Melbourne Restaurants Reopening
Live List: Melbourne Bars Reopening

dhhs.vic.gov.au