Rural Councils Victoria, which represents communities in 38 rural council areas across the state, welcomes the state government’s announcement today that rural Victoria will move to the next step of lockdown on from 11:59pm tomorrow [Wednesday] night.
Rural Councils Victoria Chair, Cr Mary-Ann, Brown said “This is a great move in the right direction. Rural Victorians have done an amazing job in keeping the virus under control.
“This latest announcement will allow rural Victorians to begin to get back to business and to a new kind of normal.”
“I was absolutely delighted at what the Premier said, especially in saying well done to rural and regional Victorians and the tremendous work they have done.
“Rural Victoria is large and diverse and very different to metropolitan Melbourne, or regional cities such as Geelong, Ballarat or Bendigo. Our experience with COVID-19 has also been different.
“The government’s support for the next phase of lockdown and the financial support for businesses is welcomed.
“At RCV we are aware that moving out of lockdown is much more difficult and dangerous than moving into lockdown and we urge all Victorians to remain vigilant and healthy.”
“We have been advocating for rural Victoria to be treated differently to metropolitan Melbourne and regional cities on the basis that there were few or no cases in most rural municipalities and this announcement delivers on that,” Cr Brown said.
The announcement means that:
• There will no longer be any restrictions on the reasons to leave home.
• You can meet up to 10 people outdoors and create a household bubble with one nominated household.
• Hospitality will be able to offer table service again.
• Cafes and restaurants can seat people in groups of up to 10, but it will be subject to density limits and seating will be mostly outdoors.
• All shops can open.
• Hairdressers and beauty services can resume as long as a face covering can be worn during the procedure.
• People in regional Victoria will be able to travel to other regions and book accommodation.
• Weddings will be allowed with up to 10 people
• Funerals can be held with up to 20 people. Infants and people required to conduct the funeral are not included in the limit.
