Victoria has recorded no new locally transmitted cases of COVID-19 and one case in hotel quarantine, as the state prepares to ease restrictions.
The state slammed the border with NSW as Sydney and a number of surrounding suburbs were declared red zones by Victoria’s Health Department on Tuesday night.
Officials gave travellers less than four hours notice before announcing that returned travellers from the City of Sydney, Waverly, Woollahra, Bayside, Canada Bay, the Inner West and Randwick would need to face 14 days of home quarantine and would need a permit to enter the state from 1am on 23 June.
The news came as NSW issued an alert for passengers travelling on Qantas flight QF163 on Friday night to Wellington and anyone who flew on Monday morning on Air New Zealand flight NZ247 from Wellington to Sydney.
Easing of restrictions
After another COVID-19 free day noted in Victoria, it is expected that outdoor gatherings will be eased and Melbourne bars and restaurants, as well as funerals and weddings, will be able to host up to 300 people inside.
Home gatherings are set to also increase from the current two adults, and large crowds are expected to return to community sports matches.
Office caps will also be lifted to 75 per cent, although people are advised to work from home if they can.
The maximum density of one person per four square metres quotient is expected to continue while the cap for hospitality venues will increase significantly.
Masks will also continue to be worn.
Regional Victoria will enjoy a further easing of restrictions.
Announcements for the easing of restrictions are set to be announced on Wednesday.
Chief health officer Brett Sutton on Tuesday morning said the gap between Melbourne and regional Victoria would be narrowed.
“We’re looking to do as much as we possibly can. We will move as far as we possibly can,” Professor Sutton said, adding that there would be good news for couples planning to tie the knot this weekend.
