Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a further easing of restrictions for regional Victoria and Melbourne.
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Key points for regional Victoria:
- From midnight tonight, you will not be restricted to a household "bubble". Numbers will still be very limited. You will be allowed two adults and their dependents into your home once a day.
- Indoor dining numbers to double to 40 from midnight tonight in regional Victoria. There will be 70 people allowed to dine outdoors.
- Libraries and toy libraries will be able open from midnight tonight, limited to 20 people.
- No good news for gym owners in regional Victoria though. Still a 'way off' from being able to open according to Mr Andrews.
- "Ring of steel" around Melbourne will be reinforced at least until November 1. Premier Andrews suggested that there would be "increased compliance activity". There is still no sign of easing the rules, and allowing people to see friends and family in Melbourne.
- Under-18 and non contact indoor sport to be permitted from November 1. This means dance classes will able to begin again for example, but with restrictions for a maximum of 20 people.
- Further easing could happen sooner than November 1 - possibly next weekend (October 24 and 25) if the numbers continue to track well.
- There were two new cases tracked today, with no new deaths for the fourth consecutive day.
- New cases have declined dramatically across the state in the past few days, with several days of single digit new COVID-19 cases
- As of Saturday, there were seven active cases in regional Victoria, four in Mitchell Shire, and three in Shepparton.
- There has not been an active case in Ballarat since September 8.
- The 14-day rolling average of new cases up to Friday stands at 8.1 for metropolitan Melbourne and 0.5 for regional areas
- Daniel Andrews has reiterated we should expect "slow and steady" easing of restrictions, but has foreshadowed significant steps today.
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A REMINDER OF THE ORIGINAL ROAD MAP
These are the original documents for the different steps. They come with a significant caveat that the dates mentioned within no longer stand with Daniel Andrews saying there they would be more flexible than first suggestions
How we work
Covid Normal
This happens when there are no new cases for 28 days and no active cases (state-wide) and no outbreaks of concern in other States and Territories. The timing for this remains unsure.
- No restrictions on leaving home
- No restrictions on public gatherings but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees
- No restrictions on visitors at home
- Schools open for onsite learning with safety measures
- Hospitality and retail all open
- No limits on weddings or funerals but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees
- Galleries, museums and other entertainment venues open with safety measures and record-keeping
WHERE TO TAKE A COVID-19 TEST IN BALLARAT
Everyone who feels even the slightest cold or flu-like symptom must assume they have the virus until a test result proves otherwise. Anybody with symptoms or awaiting a result should self-isolate at home.
- If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, make an appointment either online or by phone (4311 1571) to take a test at Lucas Community Hub. Tests are by appointment only.
AFFECTED BY THIS STORY?
Support is available. You are never alone.
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
- Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
- Mensline: 1300 789 978 or mensline.org.au
- Survivors of Suicide: 0449 913 535
- Relationships Australia: 1800 050 321
- headspace Ballarat (for 12-25s and parent support): 5304 4777
- Soldier On: 1300 620 380
- Ballarat Community Health: 5338 4500
- QLife: 1800 184 527 (Support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people)
- Family violence: 1800 RESPECTVeterans support: If you or someone you know needs support call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 - 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit www.openarms.gov.au
- For Aboriginal crisis support: Yarning SafeNStrong, 1800 959 563 (noon to 10pm)
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