Victorian Government announces further easing of COVID restrictions

The Victorian Government has announced that from 6pm on Friday 26th March, COVIDSafe settings will be further relaxed allowing for an increase in the number of people attending live music venues and public spaces.

However, while most venues and facilities will be able to operate at a density quotient of one per two square metres, for unstaffed gyms - the density quotient applied is one per four square metres. For staffed gyms, a density quotient of one per two square metre applies to each space. No caps on gym and exercise classes (other than limits imposed by density quotients). COVID Marshals are required when gyms are staffed.

There is no cap on outdoor fitness classes other than density quotient of one per two square metre.

Nightclubs are permitted to have a standing service. Density quotient of one per two square metre with no maximum patron limit. Electronic record keeping through the Services Vic app or a government API-linked digital system is required (venues will have a 28-day compliance amnesty.

Outdoor gatherings in public places such as the beach and the park can increase to 200 people.

For seated entertainment venues both indoors and outdoors, up to 75% total capacity with maximum patron cap of 1000 people per space. Density quotient of one per two square metre (including foyers, bars, bathrooms etc) and outdoor spaces.

For outdoor non-seated venues such as zoos and live museums there are no patron limits. Density quotient of one per two square metres with all venues requiring electronic record keeping through the Services Vic app or a government API-linked digital system (venues will have a 28-day compliance amnesty) Venues with capacity of greater than 500 patrons must
publish a COVIDSafe Plan online.

Pools, spas, saunas, steam rooms and springs: Indoor venues have a density quotient of one per two square metre when using electronic recording keeping (if not using electronic record keeping, density quotient of one per four square metre applies); Outdoor pools have a density quotient of one per two square metre. Electronic record keeping through the Services Vic app or a government API-linked digital system is required (venues will have a 28-day compliance amnesty).

Intrastate travel is allowed. Interstate travel operates under continued international border controls. State border controls will be activated in case of outbreaks.

Masks will no longer be required in retail settings but must still be carried at all times and worn on public transport, in rideshare vehicles and taxis and in sensitive settings such as aged care facilities and hospitals.

For full list of Victoria's COVIDSafe settings as of 6pm Friday 26th March 2021 click here