Victorians will no longer have to wear face masks whenever they leave their homes, and Christmas tables will be able to welcome 30 visitors, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced as part of a sweeping set of changes to the state’s COVID rules.
The relaxation of the controversial mask edict came as the state again notched another day of zero new infections or deaths, with the Premier praising the “amazing job” Victorians had done in beating back the nation’s worst virus outbreak.
Restrictions on home visitors and outdoor groups will also be relaxed, easing fears that Christmas family gatherings would be limited to no more than a mere handful of close family members.
“From 11:59pm on Sunday, December 13, 30 visitors will be allowed to your home – that is 30 across the course of a day,” Mr Andrews said.
“That is not 30 for lunch and 30 for dinner, it is 30 across the course of the day.
In a two-step sequence, Victorians will be allowed to welcome 15 people a day into their homes from midnight Sunday.
The changes come as Victoria notches its 23rd day in a row of zero new coronavirus cases and zero new deaths on Sunday. The Premier said the reforms were “recognition of that amazing effort… a recognition of this precious thing that we have built.”
Yesterday there were 0 new cases and 0 lost lives reported. There is 1 active case remaining. We received 10,530 test results – thanks Victoria, #EveryTestHelps. More: https://t.co/pcll7ySEgz #StaySafeStayOpen #COVID19Vic pic.twitter.com/yijW3KLf3E
— VicGovDHHS (@VicGovDHHS) November 21, 2020
Face masks will also no longer be mandatory outdoors, as long as people keep a safe distance from others.
People will still need to wear face masks indoors in Victoria, however, and to carry a mask with them at all times in case they find themselves in a situation where they would need one.
Mr Andrews gave the example of visiting a Bunnings hardware store. He said that masks would not be needed in the carpark outside, but would be needed inside the store, and may also be needed if someone was queuing in a crowded line for the BBQ outside the store.
“If you are queueing up for a sausage, and you are with other people, and you are simply not keeping a distance, you are part of a crowd, you need to put the mask on,” he said.
More to come.
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