Sports comps can return, more people in bars and restaurants as further restrictions eased

THE State government has announced a continued easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the big winners are community sport, restaurants, and bars.

Over-18-year-old contact sports comps will be allowed to resume full training from 13 July and competition can get started from 20 July.

That same day is also the date all under 18s sports training and competition can also restart, and non-contact sports comps allowed to get back on the court, pool or wherever across every age group.

Meanwhile from Monday, 22 June, indoor sports centres and places like gyms will be able to take up to 20 people per space, with groups limited to 10 people for over 18s in fitness classes and the like.

Restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs will be able to take up to 50 seated guests, and you can drink without having to buy a meal. Cinemas, concert venues, theatres and auditoriums can also reopen, again with a 50 people limit. TABs

Libraries, community centres and halls will be able to open to 50 people, and religious ceremonies can also increase to 50.

From 20 July electronic gaming areas and the casino will be given the all clear to reopen with personal distancing and hygiene requirements in place.

Contact tracing measures will also remain in place.

What’s currently unchanged is the requirement to work from home.

“If you can keep working from home – you must do that too,” said Premier Daniel Andrews.

“We still want to limit the number of people moving around our state and help protect those who do have to go to the workplace.

“Today, because of the progress we’ve made – and the evidence base we’ve built – I can confirm those proposed changes will go ahead. It also means we’re able to bring forward a number of other changes too.”