After 11.59 pm on Wednesday night this week, regional Victoria moves into the third step of the coronavirus road to recovery which will see some more restrictions easing.

The following is a summary of the changes that will come into affect from Thursday 16 Septmeber, with social distancing, and masks still applying.

  • There will no longer be any restrictions on the reasons to leave home.
  • Up to 10 people can meet outdoors and create a household bubble with one nominated household.
  • Hospitality will be able to offer table service again, with cafes and restaurants able to seat people in groups of up to 10, but it will be subject to density limits and seating will be mostly outdoors.
  • All retail shops can open.
  • Hairdressers and beauty services can resume as long as a face covering can be worn during the procedure.
  • People in regional Victoria will be able to travel to other places in regional Victoria that are at the same stage of restirctions. There are no changes to travel to of from metropolitan Melbourne.
  • Regional Victorian will be able to book accommodation in regional Victoria.
  • Weddings will be allowed with up to 10 people.
  • Funerals can be held with up to 20 people. Infants and people required to conduct the funeral are not included in the limit.
  • Outdoor religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader will be allowed, and places of worship can open for private worship for households or social bubbles, plus a faith leader.
  • Community sport can resume with outdoor contact and non-contact sport for people aged 18 and younger, outdoor non-contact sport only for adults, with gathering and density limits.
  • Outdoor skateparks will open.

More details on these can be found on the Department of Health and Human Services website.