SYDNEY, Sept 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) – The Australian state of Victoria further eased COVID-19 restrictions, including scrapping a nightly curfew ahead of schedule, with the new rules applying from today.
After nearly two months, a nightly curfew was lifted in the state capital of Melbourne, outdoor social gatherings were increased to a maximum of five people, and an additional 127,000 Victorians were allowed to return to work.
Victoria has been the epicentre of Australia’s second wave of infections, and has seen case numbers fall significantly from over 700 cases per day in early Aug, to just five new infections today, the lowest figure since June 12.
“It’s a remarkable thing, and an achievement that belongs to every Victorian. We are beating this thing, that allows us to make some small, but significant changes,” State Premier, Daniel Andrews, said.
Residents were still required to remain in their homes, other than for a handful of essential reasons, primarily including work and study, shopping for necessary items and exercise.
But starting today, they were allowed to meet in public with up to five people, from a maximum of two households, for an outdoor activity.
Weddings and outdoor religious gatherings were also allowed with a maximum of five people, and wearing a mask remained mandatory.
Businesses saw worker capacity limits eased on certain industries, such as meat packing, while sole traders, such as gardeners, were allowed to return to work, as long as it was by themselves and outside.
Andrews said, the state was on track to remove restrictions on leaving the home, as early as Oct 19.
“Making sure we have enough time to evaluate the impact — movement between steps will be spaced at least three weeks apart,” Andrews said.
“Based on the current projections, this means, we’ll be in a position to consider our next step by mid-Oct.”– NNN-AGENCIES
