The State of Emergency that was announced in March will end at midnight tonight and some restrictions on our way of life will be removed from midnight tomorrow.
The Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, made the announcement this morning after other states around the country started lifting regulations over the weekend.
The current restrictions are to remain in place where Victorians are not to leave their homes unless for shopping for essentials, exercise, medical care, or work if you cannot work from home.
A fifth reason to leave will be allowed from 11.59pm on Tuesday 12 May that allows people to have up to five guests visit their homes but does not allow for an overnight stay unless providing care, including babysitting, or support to someone who is vulnerable. You should not make social visits that require overnight trips to friends and family.
These restrictions will be in place until the end of May – or about three weeks time.
Outdoor activities such as training for community sport, hiking, fishing, and playing golf will be allowed but with no more than 10 people and physical distancing and hygiene practices must be adhered to – this includes national and state parks.
Funerals, weddings, auctions houses, and small religious observances will be allowed under these new directions but with a limit on the number of people.
Changes will also come in effect to allow for the re-establishment of a number of community facilities such as counselling services and community centres for things like group counselling meetings and counselling that is important for the community will be allowed with no more than 10 people.
Residents must still work from home for the rest of May where possible and camping is still not allowed.
Cafes and restaurants will be allowed to remain open for takeaway options only.
Local Government non-essential facilities such as libraries and community facilities can only be used for hosting essential services or hosting a support group with a maximum of 10 people while pools, gyms, and fitness centres must remain closed.
Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Murray Emerson, urged people to continue to be cautious and safe if heading out to visit friends and family.
“It’s a wonderful step that we can now visit the people who mean the most to us but we must recognise we are not out of the woods yet,” he said.
“We must still be careful and continue to adhere to the set regulations that have been in place since March in our state. If you can stay home, you must still stay home”
“Our community has done a wonderful job of containing the spread of this awful illness and we must not allow ourselves to undo that great work by now becoming careless.”
“Yes, visit your family, visit your friends but continue to keep your distance from other people as much as possible, wash your hands frequently and help to protect yourself and others from this virus.”
There have been three cases recorded in the Northern Grampians during the course of the pandemic and no current active cases.
The premier has flagged June will bring announcements about cafes and restaurants and other businesses and services.
