A FURTHER easing of restrictions for Greater Shepparton come into effect today after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday regional Victoria could continue on the path to reopening.
Meanwhile, metropolitian Melbourne’s ‘ring of steel’ will be lifted from Monday, November 9, allowing metro residents to travel to regional Victoria.
Restrictions in Greater Shepparton were brought into alignment with the rest of regional Victoria from Monday, after an outbreak scare involving three active cases in the region was contained. The changes affected hospitality venues, which are now permitted 40 people indoors and 70 people outdoors.
From today:
- Indoor gyms and fitness spaces will be able to open for up to 20 people, with a maximum of ten per space
- Indoor pools will open to 20 swimmers
- Indoor sport will begin for those 18 and under
- Food courts can open, but with only two people per table
- Live music can resume outdoors but all band members must be two metres apart and must wear masks (singer exempt)
- School graduations can be held within school communities
- For religious celebrations, 20 people can gather together indoors with their faith leader, or 50 outdoors
- Up to 50 mourners are allowed at outdoor funerals
“Regional Victorians should be proud of this success. Everyone should be proud of this success. Because soon, it will belong to our whole state,” Premier Daniel Andrews said on Sunday.
“From hundreds of cases to single digits, we have driven this virus down.”
State-wide, Victoria recorded no new cases and no deaths on Monday.
Pumping iron, indoors
Tareke Le Lievre, head trainer and owner of Shepparton’s Nemesis Strength and Conditioning said news of the new rules had come as a relief. He started running classes again indoors as of this morning.
“It’s a huge step for us,” he said.
“We’re still confused why we’ve been closed for so long and our thoughts are out there for other gyms who have been so limited.”
Le Lievre has been able to run outdoor classes with limited numbers in his gym’s driveway, however sessions have been subject to the elements and frequently cancelled due to rain.
“We’re definitely heading in the right direction. There’s still some anxiety over the news because we’ve been closed twice before,” Mr Le Lievre said.
“But if I didn’t think it was safe to open, then I wouldn’t open up – we’d continue running sessions outdoors.”
