Overview
After two weeks in lockdown in a bid to stop the latest COVID-19 outbreak — including an initial seven-day circuit-breaker action, and a second week to keep cases under control — Melbourne emerged from stay-at-home conditions at 11.59pm on Thursday, June 10. The change came just in time for the Queen's Birthday long weekend, although it would've been excellent news even if an extra day off wasn't on the agenda.
Gone are the five reasons to leave your home, and the ten-kilometre travel radius. That said a new 25-kilometre bubble is in effect, venturing to regional Victoria is of the cards and face masks are still mandatory.
The list of restrictions can be a bit overwhelming, so we've broken down just what you can and can't do.
This information is correct as of Monday, June 14.
For what reasons am I allowed to leave the house?
Remember those five reasons announced back at the end of May? They're no longer in effect. So, after two weeks of only being able to leave home to purchase groceries and other essentials, for care and caregiving, for permitted work, for outdoor exercise and recreation, and to get vaccinated, you can now leave for any reason you like.
For how long can I leave the house?
The two-hour limit on time spent out of the home has now been lifted. You may now leave your house for any amount of time — and for any reason — as long as you're abiding by all other restriction.
Is there a curfew this time?
No, there is no curfew. You are allowed out of your house at any hour — and for any reason and for as much time as you like, too.
Do I still have to wear a mask?
Yes, masks or face coverings are still compulsory whenever you leave home. Initially, the rules were going to be relaxed in outdoor spaces; however, the Victorian Government changed its mind based on new health advice — so masks must still be worn both indoors and outside whenever you're anywhere other than your own home.
How far can I travel?
You can now travel up to 25 kilometres from your home — more than double as far as you were allowed to venture during the second week of lockdown. However, if you live in Metropolitan Melbourne, you are still not allowed to travel into regional Victoria even if it is within 25 kilometres from your home.
If this newfound freedom is a little overwhelming, there's a website that help you determine what fits in your 25-kilometre radius — and another that helps you work out where your 25-kilometre bubble overlaps with your mates'.
Can I see friends and family?
Yes, but there are a few caveats, so bear with us. You can catch up with up to ten people, but only outside of your home. You can exercise with them, have a picnic — socially distanced, of course — or do whatever else you like, but not at anyone's house. And, you cannot travel more than 25 kilometres from your home.
Inside your home, the "single social bubble" rule is still in place — allowing a single person living alone or a single parent with children under 18 to nominate one person to be in their bubble. You are allowed to have this nominated person over to your home and you can go to their home — and you can travel more than 25 kilometres to visit them, but you must stay within metropolitan Melbourne. You can also stay overnight.
The same rule still applies for intimate partners, too.
Can I have a session with a personal trainer in a park?
Yes, groups of ten — plus the trainer — are allowed to meet up for personal training and bootcamp sessions.
Can I have a picnic in a park?
Yes, as long as it's with up to ten people (including yourself) — and within 25 kilometres of your homes. Here are some of our favourite spots.
St Kilda Beach by Josie Withers for Visit Victoria
Can I go to the beach?
Yes, if there is a beach within 25 kilometres of your home. You can only go with up to ten people (including yourself).
Can I drive to a park or beach?
As long as it's within 25 kilometres of your home, yes.
Can I go to a pool?
Indoor? Now. Outdoor? Yes. Up to 100 people may swim in an indoor pool, but there's a one person per four-square-metre capacity limit. So, you'll want to check out the pool's website before throwing on your togs. You can check out some of our favourites over here.
Can I visit a regional town?
If you work or study in regional Victoria, or you need to visit the area for care or caregiving reasons, you can travel there — otherwise no. You can travel more than 25 kilometres from your home to see someone in your "social bubble", but you cannot enter regional Victoria for this reason.
Can I go shopping?
For any reason, yes. But not all shops are open and some have altered hours, so check before you head off. And do make sure you stay within 25 kilometres from your home.
How about to a restaurant or cafe?
Yes, you can head to a hospitality venue located within 25 kilometres of your home, but capacity and density restrictions are in effect. Only 50 people are allowed indoors per venue and 100 in total including outdoors, with a one person per four-square-metre capacity limit. And, the maximum group size is ten.
If you're getting takeaway, you can also only travel to a venue within 25 kilometres of your house.
Can I go to gyms or other recreational services?
Indoor gyms are currently closed, but outdoor sports and recreation facilities can open with a one person per four-square-metre capacity limit and a 100-person cap.
Can I attend a funeral?
Yes, however funerals are limited to 50 mourners, plus those required to conduct the funeral.
Can I attend a wedding?
Yes, however weddings are limited to 10 people, including the couple and two witnesses. The celebrant and photographer don't count in the cap.
If you have more questions, the Victorian Government has an extensive rundown on its website.
Top image: Visit Victoria