VICTORIA could be just days away from a COVID-normal existence, but any changes to rules, including the wearing of masks, is set to be determined by future public health advice.
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Changes, which are flagged to be announced by Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday, will also need to take into consideration South Australia's situation which has forced a temporary closure of the Victorian border.
As a state, Victoria currently sits at Step 3, but it is hoped the Premier will announce the state will move to the 'last step' earlier in the week, before hopefully a 'Covid-normal' announcement on or near November 27 should the state reach the 28-day threshold.
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Changes as part of the 'last step' would include increased capacities at hospitality with up to 100 patrons to be allowed to be indoors, subject to distancing quotas (up from 40) and up to 200 outdoors, (up from 70).
Real estate services, such as auctions, would also be able to operate with up to 20 people indoors (up from 10 people) and up to 50 people outside (also up from 10 people).
Personal care such as hairdressing, beauty and tattoo parlours would also be able to operate in full, provided they have a COVID-safe plan.
There is also hope that Victoria's compulsory mask rules will be able to be lifted.
Earlier this week, Mr Andrews flagged a relaxing of the rules for wearing masks outdoors, but indoors and public transport are likely to remain for some time yet.
"I think the area we will move first will be when people are out on their own, well away from others," Mr Andrew said.
"It'll always be a situation where you carry the mask and if for some unexpected reason you would come into contact with people, then you would wear that mask. I think that's probably the first change."
The state government originally planned to move from the 'last step' to COVID-normal if it reached 28 days of no active cases statewide and there was no outbreaks of concern in other states or territories, however, the latest update on the DHHS website does not mention this threshold and instead says Victoria entering COVID-normal and the final changes to restrictions will be subject to public health advice.
A number of other changes including travel restrictions and state border openings, gym operating quotas, limits on public gatherings outdoors and at sporting and entertainment events, visitors to the home, changes to weddings, funerals, religious services and work from home could all be possibly on the table for changes.
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