PREMIER Daniel Andrews has confirmed regional Victoria will take the third step of the 'roadmap to reopening' from 11.59pm on Wednesday.
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There were no new COVID-19 cases in regional Victoria on Tuesday, with the rolling 14-day average of daily new cases dropping to 3.6.
There were also no mystery coronavirus cases recorded in the regions.
Mr Andrews said regional Victorians should be proud of their cooperation with restrictions, but what will these new rules mean for the regions?
The third step
Under the changes, there will be no restrictions on the reasons for leaving home.
People will still be required to wear masks in public places.
Up to 10 people will be allowed to gather outside in public.
Households will be permitted to form a 'household bubble' with one nominated household, which will mean that up to five members from either household can visit the other at any one time.
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Dine-in services can resume at restaurants and cafes, but this will predominantly be outdoor seated service, with groups capped at 10 and density limits.
In this step, beauty and personal services will now be permitted to open, as per Mr Andrews' announcement on Sunday.
They will only be allowed to provide services when the customer is able to keep their mask on the entire time (this would prohibit such services as facials).
Under-18s sport, both contact and non-contact, will be allowed, but adults will be permitted to play only non-contact sports.
Outdoor skate parks will reopen, and outdoor fitness will be permitted for groups of up to 10 people.
Up to 10 people will be allowed at weddings and up to 20 people at funerals.
Up to 10 people, plus the faith leader, will be permitted to gather for religious gatherings outdoors.
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Places of worship will be open for private worship for households or social bubbles, plus a faith leader.
Under this step, travel within regional Victoria can resume. People will not be allowed to travel to areas with higher restrictions; that is, metropolitan Melbourne.
Outdoor events and entertainment will also be allowed to proceed, subject to pre-approved plans.
Private real estate inspections can resume under this step and auctions will be permitted outdoors, with gathering limits.
When will we move beyond step three?
At the current time, Victoria will not move to the last step until at least November 23.
That will only happen so long as no new cases are recorded across the whole of Victoria for 14 days.
There will still be restrictions under this step, until Victoria reaches what the government has termed 'COVID normal'.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
