MASKS, social gatherings, hospitality and offices are among the areas of Victoria's COVID-19 rules set to change, as the state announces new safety restrictions for summer.
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Premier Daniel Andrews announced changes to nearly all areas of Victoria's coronavirus restrictions on Sunday, with staggered start dates.
Victorians will be obliged to carry a mask at all times, and they will remain compulsory in indoor shopping centres and markets, public transport and commercial passenger vehicles.
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Masks will be advised, but not mandatory, in other settings where social distancing is not possible.
Hospitality venues will have no cap on the number of patrons they can host from 11.59pm Sunday, within a density of one person per two square metres.
But the density quotient will not kick in until the venue has more than 25 patrons. Mr Andrews said this would cater for smaller venues.
Standing service will be allowed again, allowing people to drink at public bars.
People will be allowed to invite up to 30 visitors daily, from any number of households to their home, from 11.59pm on Sunday. Outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people will be allowed.
Weddings, funerals and religious gatherings will be without a cap on numbers, but limited to one person per two square metres.
Dance floors will be allowed, with one person per four square metres and a cap of 50 people.
Nightclubs will have the same rules for dance floors and standing service at bars.
Half of private sector workers will be able to return to the office in just over a month. Mr Andrews said - subject to public health advice - this change would take place from January 11.
In the public sector 50 per cent of employees will be able to return to the office from February 8.
Indoor physical recreation and community sport is limited to one person per four square metres. Gyms and exercise classes indoors will be limited to 50 people.
Outdoor physical recreation will be allowed for up to 100 patrons, with one person per two square metres.
Pools, spas and springs will be allowed up to one person per four square metres indoors, one per two square metres outdoors.
Community venues such as libraries will be allowed one person per two square metres, likewise hairdressing, beauty and personal care.
Seated entertainment venues indoor and outdoor will be allowed up to 75 per cent of fixed seated capacity, with a maximum of 1000 people.
For accommodation, rules for household gatherings apply.
There will be no cap on tour groups, but masks must be worn on tour transport.
Large events such as the Boxing day test would be managed on a case by case venues, Mr Andrews said.
Mr Andrews said the state was taking big steps, but urged the community to remain vigilant to guard Victoria's "precious" COVID-free position.
He said the state would end up with cases and outbreaks, without a vaccine.
Mr Andrews thanked every Victorian for the remarkable achievement that was 37 straight days without new COVID-19 cases.
He said the government was very pleased to make the decisions.
Mr Andrews maintained calls for anyone with even slight symptoms to get tested immediately.
Nearly 8,500 Victorian test results were reported on Sunday.
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