VICTORIANS will be able to host up to 30 people for Christmas Day, the Victorian Government announced on Sunday as it eased more restrictions.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the change would come into effect from 11.59pm on December 13.
Babies under 12 months won’t count towards the cap.
“That is not 30 for lunch and 30 for dinner, it is 30 across the course of the day,” Mr Andrews said.
“I know that will be a large enough number for some families, and for others they will need to do some juggling.”
From 11.59pm tonight, the number of visitors to a home will increase from two to 15 per day.
That can be split across different times – 10 for lunch, and five for dinner – as long as people are sticking to a total of 15.
Outdoor gatherings in a public place – the park, the beach – will increase to 50.
Weddings will increase to 150 people. The same number will apply to funerals and religious ceremonies indoors.
There’ll also be changes for the hospitality sector.
For smaller venues, the density limit will change to one person for every two square metres – up to 50 customers. QR code record keeping will be mandatory. For bigger venues, the density limit will stay the same, but the cap will increase to 150. Total venue capacity will also rise to 300.
Cinemas, galleries and museums will also be able to host up to 150 people indoors.
Contact and non-contact sports can begin for adults as well as kids – 150 people indoors with a group size of up to 20 and 500 outdoors with groups of up to 50.
Organisers will also be able to apply to host a public event. Different requirements and rules will need to apply, depending on whether it’s a school fete or a major sporting match.
Mr Andrews also announced a phased approach for staff heading back to the office. From November 30, up to 25 per cent of workers will be able to attend onsite.
“I want to be clear though – unless you’re one of those people nominated by your employer – you need to keep working from home,” he said.
Mr Andrews also announced changes to the rules around masks.
“In short, you’ll still need to wear one when you’re indoors and on public transport – and where you can’t keep your distance,” he said.
“But if you’re outdoors and you can keep a safe distance, masks will no longer be mandatory.
“For example, you’ll still need to keep your mask on if you’re at a busy outdoor market – or in line for a snag at your local Bunnings.
“If you’re headed for a quiet stroll around the neighbourhood, you won’t need to wear a mask – but you will need to carry one, in case the situation changes.
“I know for some people, they’ll think this is too slow and still too restrictive.
“But the point is, masks are a small sacrifice that help keep all of us safe.
“And as we’ve been reminded so recently, all it takes is one case before you’ve got a much bigger outbreak.”
It comes as the state on Sunday marked 23 days without recording a new coronavirus case.
As one active case remains in the entire state, more than 10,500 tests were received on Saturday.
