More freedom to visit others at home and higher patron limits at hospitality venues are among new changes to regional Victoria's COVID-19 restrictions.
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Premier Daniel Andrews made the highly anticipated announcement at Sunday's daily press conference.
From 11.59pm Sunday, people will be able to have two people (plus any dependents) visit them at home at any one time.
Related: Two new COVID-19 cases, no deaths
This does away with the 'household bubble' that meant people living in a house together could only visit their one nominated household and no others.
Cafes, restaurants and pubs will be able to have up to 70 seated patrons outside and 40 inside, up from 50 and 20 customers respectively.
There will still be a limit of 10 people per group and per indoor space.
Libraries and toy libraries will reopen, with a maximum of 20 people inside at any time.
Households will also be able to visit care facilities, rather than just one person.
Up to 20 people will be permitted at outdoor religious gatherings.
Under-18s will be allowed in indoor pools, with a maximum of 20 swimmers.
From 11.59pm November 1, non-contact indoor sports and recreation - including dance classes - can resume for under-18s, with a maximum of 20 people.
Outdoor religious gatherings will increase to 50 people.
Mr Andrews also announced a host of changes for metropolitan Melbourne beginning 11.59pm Sunday, including an expansion of the travel limit from five kilometres to 25 kilometres, an increase in the number of people allowed to meet together outdoors, and the resumption of certain business and recreational activities.
From 11.59pm November 1, more changes will come into force.
Melburnians with properties in regional Victoria will also be permitted to travel to their land to carry out fire or flood prevention activities from Wednesday, subject to approval from their local council.
Mr Andrews said there was a possibility the changes slated to come into effect in November could be brought forward, depending on what plays out over the coming week.
He confirmed metropolitan Melbourne residents would not yet be allowed to travel to regional areas without a permitted reason.
Two new cases were recorded in the 24 hours to Sunday.
Meanwhile, the rolling average of daily new cases over the 14 days to Saturday stood at eight, down from 8.6 on Friday.
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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.
