Mask rules eased for COVIDSafe Summer

VICTORIANS now only need to wear masks in “a limited number of places” in a major easing of the state’s coronavirus restrictions, which came into effect just before midnight on Sunday.

It is still mandatory to carry a mask, but the latest guidelines mean they are only required on public transport, on rideshare vehicles and taxis, and in some retail settings, including indoor shopping centres, supermarkets, department stores and indoor markets.

While masks are no longer mandated in most circumstances, they continue to be recommended indoors or outdoors when distancing cannot be maintained.

“Masks have been a great insurance policy for us, and they remain as such,” Mr Andrews said at a press conference on Sunday.

The other “COVIDSafe Summer” changes that came into effect at 11.59pm on December 6 include:

• As previously flagged, Victorians will be able to host up to 30 people (up from 15) in their home over the course of a day, from any number of households. Outdoor gatherings in public places will increase to 100
• Density limits in pubs, restaurants and cafes will shift to 1 person per 2sqm for both indoors and outdoors with no other cap. Standing service will now be allowed. The use of electronic record keeping – a QR code – will be mandatory. For small operations, there will be be no density limits if the patron number is under 25
• For retail and beauty services, businesses will be able to move to 1 person per 2sqm if they also introduce electronic record keeping. For businesses where that’s not possible, the existing density limits will continue to apply
• The cap for funerals and weddings will also be removed, subject to the 1 person per 2sqm. Dancefloors will be able to host up to 50 people, with a density of 1 person per 4sqm
• In gyms, the density limit will move to 1 per 4sqm, with exercise classes limited to 50 indoors and 100 outdoors
• There will be a 50 per cent return for office workers by January 11, after considering the public health advice at the time. For the Victorian public service, up to 25 per cent will be able to return to the office from January 11, moving up to 50 per cent on February 8.

Mr Andrews said the new restrictions would apply for most of the summer, and would be reviewed in January. Tuesday this week marked 39 consecutive days without a new case of coronavirus in Victoria.

For the latest updates and more information, head to dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.