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Coronavirus restrictions have eased in Victoria. Here's what's changed and what might happen by Christmas - ABC News

Premier Daniel Andrew is promising a COVID-normal Christmas for Victorians after a long, hard winter of coronavirus restrictions.

He says the aim is to make Christmas as normal as possible while still remaining vigilant about the need to keep coronavirus at bay.

But there are few stops on the roadmap before we get to Christmas and Mr Andrews is promising to spell out more detail about the holiday season on November 22.

Looking down on a dinner table with roast turkey and wine and people reaching for food
Mr Andrews expects people to be able to have at least 10 people into their homes for Christmas.(Unsplash: Christiann Koepke)

Changes in place from today

Here's a quick recap of the rule changes that take effect today.

The ring of steel and the hard border with regional Victoria are gone.

Travel and tourism can resume with some restrictions, and an ad campaign has already been launched for Gippsland and the High Country.

Pubs and restaurants can have up to 40 customers inside and 70 customers outside subject to density limits.

Gyms and sports centres are reopening and so are theatres and cinemas.

We can have more people in our homes as well — two different adult visitors and their dependents per day.

Kids can also have sleepovers again, Mr Andrews says.

"Your guest can stay over but again we just people to use as much common sense as they can muster. There's obviously a higher risk if someone's in our home for a long period of time," he says.

About a dozen people, all wearing masks, crossing a busy intersection.
The one thing that is not changing is the use of masks. They are here to stay for now, Mr Andrews says.(ABC News: Ron Ekkel)

More easing of restrictions in two weeks

The news keeps getting better.

Mr Andrews is promising more changes from 11:59 on November 22.

People will be allowed to have up to 10 visitors in their home and the number of people who can attend public gatherings will be increased to 50.

Limits on indoor hospitality will rise to 100 people, subject to density rules, and outdoors there will be a limit of 200 people, again subject to density caps.

A social distancing sign on a treadmill in a gym.
From November 23, gyms will be allowed to have 100 people, subject to density rules.(ABC News: Simon Tucci)

Gyms and indoor sport centres will be able to have 100 people in groups of 20. And large sporting venues will be able to accommodate up to 25 per cent of their normal capacity.

Indoor pools and play centres will be able to have up to 50 people subject to density limits.

Mr Andrews says the changes will go ahead if everyone follows the rules.

"Each of us has played a part in building this precious thing and each of us has to play a part in protecting it."

Religious services will be able to be held with up to 100 people indoors in groups of 20, while outdoors there will be a limit of up to 500 people in groups of 50.

The cap on both weddings and funerals will go up to 100 people, but if it is a private service, the number of people who can attend will be limited to 10.

Cinemas, theatres, toy libraries, libraries and community venues will be able to have up to 100 people in groups of 20.

A young man and woman smile, with drink in hand
More people will be allowed to dine indoors and outdoors under the new restrictions.(ABC Melbourne: Kristian Silva)

Andrews wants Christmas as 'normal' as possible

The key question everyone wants answered is, What will the arrangements be for the holiday season?

Mr Andrews is "confident" Victorians will be able to host "more than 10 people" in their homes at Christmas.

On November 22, he will spell out just how many households will be able to visit.

"People from multiple households [will be able to] come to your home, not 10 — more than that — but it's very difficult to speculate any further," he says.

Mr Andrews is determined to deliver a "COVID-normal" Christmas driven by data.

He says authorities need to be assured Victorians are following the rules and enough testing is being done across the state.

That will give him "greater confidence" in making the decision about Christmas.

"What's still a little bit uncertain is, What is the difference between a COVID-normal Christmas and a normal Christmas?" he said.

"There will be some difference but we're trying to get those as small as minimal as possibly can."

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https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiaWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIwLTExLTA5L3ZpY3Rvcmlhcy1jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1yZXN0cmljdGlvbi1jaGFuZ2VzLWNocmlzdG1hcy1jb3ZpZC8xMjg2MTUzMNIBJ2h0dHBzOi8vYW1wLmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvYXJ0aWNsZS8xMjg2MTUzMA?oc=5

2020-11-08 19:13:00Z
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