Active coronavirus cases in Victoria have fallen to 399, marking the first time they have been below 400 since June 30.

The state recorded 16 new cases, all of which linked to aged care.

“It’s one measure among many of the amazing performances of the Victorian community – staying apart, but sticking together,”

“That is more than what we had hoped to be able to achieve,” Mr Andrews said in announcing the changes.

“It’s not as much as people would want, but it is very important that we take those steps safely.”

Premier Andrews said before announcing the easing of more measures, to come into effect from 11.59pm tonight.

What does the accelerated roadmap out of lockdown sees Melburnians, one week ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, the move to the Third and Last Steps will no longer be defined by dates in the calendar.

What does that mean?

  • 127,000 Victorians back to work from midnight tonight
  • The curfew will be lifted from tonight
  • Childcares open to all children and the resumption of face-to-face learning for all Melbourne primary school students from 12 October 12
  • VCE and VCAL students will be returning to school for assessments from the start of Term Four on 5 October
  • Apprentices and uni students in their final year of study will be able to attend onsite for learning and assessment where necessary
    The return to face-to-face learning will take a staggered approach, with not all students on campus at the same time
  • The five-kilometre travel restriction remains in place
  • Residents will be permitted to meet outside (in public spaces) in groups of up to five people from two households (no homes or backyards)
  • Private inspections can resume for real estate
  • Small outdoor religious ceremonies will also be permitted to resume, with a limit of five people plus one faith leader.
  • Weddings can take place with up to five people
  • Rules around visiting hospitals and care facilities will also be slightly relaxed. One person will also be allowed to visit a friend or relative in hospital once each day for a maximum of two hours. Individual hospitals may set their own limits on these visits
  • The limit of one person going shopping once per day will also be removed.

The Premier said that the government would continue to examine whether those numbers could be expanded in coming weeks.

Finally, Mr Andrews announced that face shields will no longer be permitted in place of masks as part of Melbourne’s compulsory mask laws.

“Face shields don’t meet the test of covering your nose and your mouth. You can wear a face shield if you want to, in terms of your eyes, but it would need to be accompanied by a mask,” he said.

“We would recommend a two-ply mask, but face coverings, mask, anything is better than nothing but a shield is akin to not wearing a face covering – you simply aren’t.”

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