Informed by new data, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews made an announcement earlier today confirming that cafes, restaurants and pubs offering dining will be allowed to host up to 20 patrons at a time per enclosed space, starting from 1 June.

“After smashing through our goal of 50,000 tests in the last week, the results of this data has given us the confidence we need to plan to slowly start lifting some more restrictions,” Mr Andrew said.

“Today, and informed by the advice of the Chief Health Officer, I can announce our cautious and careful next steps. The continuing low numbers of community transmission and the high rates of testing give us confidence that cafes, restaurants, pubs and other hospitality businesses can begin planning for a phased re-opening from the beginning of June.”

The Premier went on to say that from 22 June the number of allowed patrons could increase to 50 and up to 100 in mid July. The 1 June start date will give the hospitality industry the much needed time to prepare in order to accept customers.

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At the same time, Mr Andrews urged Victorians to keep getting tested at the signs of symptoms, even the mildest ones, highlighting that the timelines of the new eased measures are reliant on our vigilance.

“The hospitality industry is one of the pillars of the Victorian economy and has been among the hardest hit by this pandemic – re-opening the venues we all love is a critical piece of the puzzle in saving jobs and restoring our local communities. We need to be really clear though: this is not a done deal,” he stressed.

“These timelines will depend on how we’re tracking. And just as we’ve used evidence to inform our decisions the whole way through this – these next steps will be no different. If, in the coming weeks, we see a sudden upswing in community exposures from an unknown source – we may have to make the call to delay,” Andrews explained, adding that the Chief Health Officer will review the rates of community transmission in Victoria before any changes.

The Premier also warned that if the opening signals breaches and illegal crowds stricter precautions will need to be put in place.

So, what  changes from 1 June?

  • All venues will need to abide by existing physical distancing requirements of one person per four square metres.
  • Tables will also need to be spaced at least 1.5 metres apart.
  • Venues will be required to take the contact details of every customer to assist in rapid contact tracing.
  • Extra cleaning, staff health screening and temperature checks will also be introduced on a constant basis
  • More regulations will need to be applied regarding the use of shared areas like entrances and bathrooms in joint consultation with industry, unions and the state public health team.

Mr Andrews said that once in place, these changes will apply to standalone restaurants and cafes, as well as restaurants and bistros within a pub, hotel, bar, registered and licensed club, RSL or community club. Furthermore, restrictions on other spaces within these kinds of venues – including public bars and gaming areas – will remain in place throughout June, as will restrictions on food courts.

“As we take these important steps, we must also continue to make a number of sacrifices, as the cumulative effect of easing too much too soon could undo all the hard work we have done together.”

That means, for most Victorians the advice has not changed,” he said; “if you can work from home – you must work from home.”

While the Premier said he sympathises with everyone that is missing seeing their colleagues and work friends in-person, sharing lunch in the staff room, enjoying after work drinks and birthdays, he made it clear that “we can’t afford to take that risk”.

“We can’t have millions of people moving across our state – particularly around the Melbourne CBD – touching elevator buttons or opening front doors. In fact, we probably won’t be able to return to work as we know it for some time. As always, we’re asking Victorians to take on their share of the responsibility in all this. After all, it’s up to each of this to make this work. None of us want to be responsible for seeing the gains we have made together disappear. And for every action or activity we can resume – there will be others that we just can’t. For now, and for the foreseeable future, this must be our new normal. Lives and livelihoods are counting on it.”