By Alesha Capone
The five-kilometre rule and five reasons to leave home will be removed as of midnight, while students will return to the classroom from tomorrow morning as Victoria moves out of lockdown.
This morning, Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed that lockdown would end at 11.59pm tonight, however a number of restrictions will remain.
From tomorrow, restaurants and cafes can reopen for seated service, as will retail, beauty and personal care services, entertainment venues and community facilities.
Businesses and venues can reopen with capacity and density limits of one person per four square metres.
Mr Andrews said that people who can work from home should continue doing so, with offices restricted to a capacity of up to 25 per cent of the workforce or up to 10 people, whichever is greater.
Public gatherings will be allowed with up to 10 people, with infants under 12 months not included in the cap.
However, visits to people’s homes are still prohibited.
People will only be able to book accommodation with their household, intimate partner or single bubble person.
Live music venues, dance classes and physical recreation facilities, including gyms, will all open with density requirements of one person per four square metres.
A maximum of 50 people will be permitted at weddings. Funerals will also have a cap of 50 mourners, plus those conducting the funeral. Infants under 12 months are not included in the cap for either.
Masks will continue to be required everywhere, indoors and outdoors, except private residences, unless an exception applies.
Mr Andrews said the new restrictions will be in place for at least the next two weeks.
Health Minister Martin Foley said the lockdown’s end was “welcome” news but that it was important for everyone to continue obeying restrictions.
“Please check in everywhere, every time, wear a mask and get vaccinated as soon as you’re eligible,” he said.
Mr Andrews congratulated Victorians on doing so well during the lockdown and he thanked the thousands of people who have been quarantining at home after visiting a virus exposure site.
“We have seen off two Delta outbreaks,” he said.
“I don’t think there’s a jurisdiction in the world that has done that.”
