Victoria has recorded four new coronavirus cases and one death, on a day when regional Victorians woke to more freedom after restrictions were eased overnight.
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The new victim, a male aged care resident in his 90s, brings the state's toll from the virus to 817 and the national figure to 905.
It's the sixth day in a row the state has recorded an increase in new cases in single digits. All four new cases are in metropolitan Melbourne - three are located in the local government area of Hume, while one is in the Moonee Valley.
Seven active cases remain in regional Victoria - four in Mitchell Shire and three in Greater Shepparton.
The figures, confirmed by the Department of Health and Human Services on Monday, bring Melbourne's 14-day rolling average down to 7.2. Regional Victoria's two-week case average remains at 0.5.
There are 15 cases for the fortnight up to Friday which have no known source.
IN OTHER NEWS
COVID-19 restrictions were eased at 11.59pm last night.
In regional Victoria, up to two people plus dependents will be allowed to visit homes once a day, while hospitality venues can increase their capacity to 70 people outside and 40 people inside.
In disappointing news for gym owners, gyms will need to remain closed.
The "ring of steel" that separates metropolitan Melbourne from regional Victoria will remain in place.
Ballarat has not had an active infection for about five weeks.
Meanwhile, Melburnians are now allowed to travel 25km from home and there will be no limit on time spent outdoors.
Outdoor gatherings have an increased limit from five people to 10 from two households, while facilities such as skate parks, golf courses and tennis courts will reopen.
Melburnians will also be able to get a haircut, see an allied health professional, renovate their home, wash their car and bid at an auction, though a number of strict safety protocols will be in place.
"I have announced today what is safe but will not undermine the sacrifice, the hard work, the pain, the amazing efforts that Victorians have put in," Mr Andrews told reporters on Sunday.
Melbourne will take another step on November 2, with hospitality venues able to seat 50 people outside and 20 people inside, while retail and beauty and personal care services can resume. People will be allowed to host a maximum of two people plus dependents at their homes once a day.
Mr Andrews, however, indicated the next step could be brought forward, depending on case numbers across Victoria in the next week.
Changes in effect from now for regional Victoria
- Hospitality venues can increase their capacity to 40 people (four groups of 10) inside and 70 people outside
- Two adults and dependents will be able to visit a home once a day - there will no longer be a social 'bubble' where you have to nominate just one household. Infants under 12 months are not included in this cap
- Libraries will reopen with a maximum of 20 people
- Outdoor religious gatherings up to 20 people (and 50 from November 1) - infants under 12 months not included in cap
- Indoor pools will open for people aged 18 and under for up to 20 swimmers
- One-on-one hydroptherapy will be allowed
- Households can visit care facilities (rather than one person at a time)
- Outdoor contact and non-contact sport: allowed for people 18 and under - Limited to minimum number of people to play and facilitate the activity (e.g. cricket may be played with two teams of eleven players and the necessary coaching personnel and umpires)
- Outdoor non-contact sport: allowed for adults - Limited to minimum number of people to play and facilitate the activity (e.g. cricket may be played with two teams of eleven players and the necessary coaching personnel and umpires) - Non-contact means participants must be able to maintain distance of 1.5m
- 'Ring of steel' to continue and being 'strengthened' according to the premier
Changes to come into effect from Wednesday
- Melbourne residents who own a house in regional Victoria can apply to regional councils for a permit so they can visit to prepare their homes for floods and fire. Read more about it HERE.
Changes to come into effect from November 1
- Non-contact indoor sport for under-18s - such as dance classes - will resume for up to 20 people
- Non-contact indoor community sport for under 18-year-olds: spectators limited to one parent, guardian or carer per child
But many industry groups are not impressed.
Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott said it was an "an inexplicable and unacceptable delay".
"There is no sound reason to continue the restrictions on business, especially with case numbers clearly on a downward trajectory," she said in a statement.
The Australian Industry Group's Victorian head Tim Piper said businesses and Victorians expected more.
"There is still no long-term coherent plan to rebuild a shattered Victorian economy," Mr Piper said.
Opposition Leader Michael O'Brien said restrictions should have been eased further, especially with respect to small businesses.
-AAP
