Easing of Coronavirus restrictions in regional Victoria to allow resumption of outdoor activities and dining

Regional Victoria will move to Step Three of its Coronavirus reopening plan from Thursday, with outdoor activities and travelling for a holiday to be allowed.

However, while groups of up to 10 people will be allowed to dine inside cafes and restaurants, and up to 50 people in outdoor areas; indoor aquatic and sport facilities, gyms and fitness clubs will not be allowed to reopen.

The easing will see accommodation reopened in time for the school holidays, with students in regional Victoria able to return to schools in term four.

Hairdressers, tattoo parlours and beauty services can resume as long as a face covering can be worn during the procedure while masks will remain mandatory and there will still be tight restrictions on the number of people allowed to visit private homes.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the changes were possible because the daily average for new cases in regional Victoria was down to 3.6 and there had been no mystery cases for two weeks.

He advised "I am absolutely delighted to be able to announce that regional Victoria, from 11:59pm tomorrow night, will be able to take the third step in our safe and steady road map to COVID-normal.

"It's a massive thing. It is such good news. I am so, so pleased and proud of every single regional Victorian who has stayed the course, followed the rules, got tested."

Outdoor skateparks and outdoor trampolining centres can reopen with outdoor junior sport also allowed, for both contact and non-contact sports.

While bootcamps and other outdoor fitness groups can be held with up to 10 people, there will be no easing of restrictions on indoor fitness activities.