By Alesha Capone
Victorian pandemic restrictions have been eased until the end of January as part of a “COVIDSafe Summer” plan.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced the changes, which came into effect at midnight on Sunday, on the weekend.
Under the changes, masks are only be required in a limited number of places, including on public transport, in rideshare vehicles and taxis, and some retail settings, such as indoor shopping centres, supermarkets and department stores.
However, people must carry a mask with them whenever they leave home.
Victorians will be able to host up to 30 people in their home throughout the day.
Outdoor gatherings in public places will increase to a maximum of 100 people.
Density limits in pubs, restaurants and cafes will change to one person per two square metres for both indoors and outdoors.
This will also apply to retail businesses, beauty services, nightclubs, libraries and RSLs.
Mr Andrews said 50 per cent office workers should be able to return to work by January 11, depending on public health advice at the time.
Cedar Woods state manager Lloyd Collins said that the company was “excited to welcome more businesses back to Williams Landing” in January.
“Our growing office hub adds so much value to Williams Landing, not just from a community point of view but also in supporting our local retailers and hospitality,” he said.
“Whilst there are still some restrictions in place with regards to workforce numbers and capacity, we expect to see this grow over the coming months with a number of new occupiers now fitting out their offices.”
Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly told parliament last month that the electorate had suffered during the lockdowns, with Wyndham recording 942 COVID cases at the peak of the pandemic.
But she said the community’s determination and effort had helped to drive this down to zero cases.
“That has taken months,” Ms Connolly said.
“It has taken months of hard, hard work.
“This would not have been possible without the efforts of everyone in my community – every single person who, as I have again and again said in this place, has been on the front line of this pandemic.”
