Green light for gyms

Gyms have been given the green light to re-open in regional Victoria tomorrow morning and the “ring of steel” that has divided metropolitan and regional communities for months will be removed on November 9.

For the first time in more than four months, there were no new coronavirus cases recorded yesterday.

On Sunday, Premier Daniel Andrews further eased coronavirus restrictions in regional areas but placed a “cautious pause” on any announcements for metropolitan areas.

The news that many have been waiting anxiously for came late yesterday afternoon as he announced retail and hospitality could reopen across metropolitan areas, which includes businesses in Cardinia Shire that have been closed since July.

The 25 kilometre travel limit will remain in place until the ring of steel dividing the state is lifted from midnight on November 8.

On the same day, metropolitan residents and businesses will live and operate under the level of restrictions that begin in regional areas at midnight tonight.

“It will mean families are whole again. Our state is whole again.

“We want to reach COVID normal by Christmas and right now, we’re on track to do that,” Mr Andrews said.

While the boundary is in place, work permits will be required for workers from Melbourne travelling into regional Victoria, and vice versa. Regional residents and businesses will welcome some new freedoms from midnight tonight.

Mr Andrews said because of the continued low numbers in regional Victoria, he was able to further ease restrictions.

“Regional Victorians should be proud of this success. Everyone should be proud of this success. Because soon, it will belong to our whole state,” he said.

From p1

For local gym owners and dance schools, Sunday’s announcement brought some welcome relief and long-awaited re-opening of their businesses.

Indoor gyms will resume for a maximum of 20 people in two areas.

Dance classes for under 18s also can resume for a maximum of 20 people.

Indoor pools, including swimming classes, will be open to a maximum of 20 patrons or meeting the one person per square metre density quotient.

Hospitality was delivered some further joy with live music now allowed outdoors and food courts allowed to open.

Restaurants and cafes are currently allowed to accommodate up to 40 customers inside (in four separate areas) and up to 70 outside if permitted space requirements are met.

Grade six and year 12 graduation events will be allowed for students and staff only.

For religious celebrations, 20 people can gather together indoors with their faith leader – or 50 outdoors.

There was no change in the compulsory mask wearing direction.

Metropolitan restrictions from

midnight tonight:

The four reasons to leave home will be removed.

Socially - up to 10 people can gather outdoors from any number of households, or more than 10 if all from the same household.

No announcerments were made in relation to social interaction in people’s homes.

Cafes, restaurants and pubs can re-open with a limit of 20 people indoors and 50 outdoors.

Retail, beauty and personal care services can all open.

Outdoor contact sport (18 and under) will resume as well as non-contact sport for adults.

Personal training, fitness and dance classes can also be held outdoors with up to 10 people, and the number of people at outdoor pools can increase to 50.

Outdoor religious ceremonies can be held with up to 20 people, indoor services can be held with up to 10.

Weddings will increase to 10 people, and funerals up to 20.