Joy as Melbourne’s shutdown comes to an end

Melbourne’s cafes, pubs and retail outlets can reopen after months of lockdown as of midnight tonight after new coronavirus case numbers sat at zero for the first time since June 9 but the 25 kilometre travel radius will remain in place for now.

After sparking frustration from business groups by not announcing a lift of restrictions for retail on Sunday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews did so on Monday afternoon after over 14,000 additional coronavirus tests were done with no new cases emerging.

Under the ‘Third Step’ plan, Melbourne will move from a “stay home” to a “stay safe” plan with no more restrictions on the reasons to leave home.

“The 25-kilometre limit though, will remain in place. I know it’s frustrating, but this is about making sure that even as we ease restrictions, we’re limiting the virus’s ability to travel,” Andrews said.

“It’s why the border between regional Victoria and Melbourne will also remain in place – for just a bit longer.

“Under the Third Step, Melbourne’s cafes, restaurants and pubs can reopen.  Outdoors with a limit of up to 50, indoors up to 20. Density limits, record keeping and COVIDSafe Plans also apply.”

Mask wearing remains mandatory in Melbourne and cafes, restaurants and pubs can re-open with occupancy limits in both indoor and outdoor areas.

Workplaces no longer need to be on ‘permitted list’

“Workplaces will no longer need to be on the permitted work list to open and the ability to work will change to “if you can work from home you must work from home”,” Andrew said.

“While the boundary is in place, work permits will still be required for workers from Melbourne travelling into regional Victoria – and vice versa.”

Great news for the printing industry

The Real Media Collective CEO Kellie Northwood said the news is very good for the print industry with the retail and hospitality sectors both significant users of print.

Overjoyed: The Real Media Collective chief executive officer Kellie Northwood

“As a Victorian myself I am overjoyed with these announcements. Our Victorian members have shown great courage and endurance to remain open during this time,” Northwood told Sprinter.

“This week two major sectors are opening up – retail and hospitality. They are two major sectors for our members as they are significant users of print so we are really thrilled that this is happening.”

Tourism is another sector for print and with the separation line between Melbourne and regional Victoria set to dissolve on November 8, this will open up another influx of work for printers.

Northwood said once intrastate tourism, which is a third key sector for print, is fully operational again, this will again benefit printers.

Ai Group’s Victorian head Tim Piper said the news was welcome relief after no announcements about restrictions were made over the weekend.

Ai Group welcomes the easing of restrictions to allow retailers, restaurants, cafes, manufacturers, the construction industry and others to open up to a COVID-normal condition including allowing a dark opening period,” Piper said.

“Businesses will be celebrating being in a position to serve the public, manufacture the product and re-energise the economy.

“Making the state one again from November 9 is an important psychological step, as is allowing people to come together for a range of different gatherings.”

Stay vigilant

But Piper encouraged businesses and the community to recognise the virus is still there so vigilance must be maintained to prevent its spread once again.

We also urge the Government to maintain public confidence in its testing and tracing regimes.  With the tracking and tracing up to the task localised responses should be the norm in the future rather than widespread lockdowns,” Piper said.

“Ai Group acknowledges the resilience of Victorian employers who have borne up so well during the shutdown but the road to recovery will be a very long one.”

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