Victoria tightens COVID restrictions after Spike in cases

Just as restrictions were set to ease, the Victorian Government announced further changes were off the cards. After recording 6 consecutive days of double-digit coronavirus increases, active case numbers are at their highest for more than 2 months.

Venues were gearing up to host 50 dine-in patrons from 22 June, however, the number will remain at 20 for the next three weeks.

Some restrictions will still be relaxed including the re-opening of gyms.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews released a statement on Saturday, explaining the reasons behind the changes.

“Restaurants, pubs …will all stay at a maximum of 20 people in any one space until 12 July.

“I know this is not where we wanted to be. And that Victorians will feel disappointed and frustrated.

“I know businesses are keen to open further – which is why we’ve all got to play our part.”

While numbers will remain capped at 20, licensed venues are now able to sell alcohol without meals, which is a promising step.

Across the country, it’s a very different story.

Western Australia will move into Phase 4 of the state’s roadmap from Saturday 27 June.

Existing gathering limits and the 100/300 rule will be removed. Gathering limits will only be determined by the 2sqm rule, which will include staff only at venues that hold more than 500 patrons.

Customers will no longer need to be seated to receive service at food businesses and licensed premises and venues are not required to take a register of patrons.

Alcohol can also be served as part of unseated service arrangements and unseated performances at venues including bars, pubs and nightclubs will be permitted.

“WA is still the only State without the problematic four square metre rule, and now we go even further by removing most of our remaining restrictions in Phase 4” said WA Premier Mark McGowan.

Pending the success of Phase 4, Stage 5 is set to be introduced on 18 July which will see the removal of the 2sqm rule.