Victoria’s lockdown will end tonight – here are the updated rules

Premier Dan Andrews has announced Victoria’s short circuit-breaker lockdown will come to an end tonight at 11.59pm, Wednesday February 17. The state recorded no new cases overnight, following an incredible 39,258 tests yesterday. 

Victoria will return to many of its “Covid-safe summer” rules that were in place before the circuit-breaker lockdown, but with some exceptions. Here are some of the updated rules that will be in effect from 11.59pm tonight:

• The four reasons to leave your home will no longer be in place;
• The 5km rule will no longer be in place;
• You must wear a mask indoors and outdoors where you cannot maintain social distancing'
• You can have up to five visitors to your home;
• You can have up to 20 people in public outdoor gatherings;
• Schools will reopen, and 50 per cent of the public and private sector can return to work; and
• Retail and hospitality will reopen with the same density limits as before the circuit-breaker lockdown.

These restrictions are likely to be in place until Friday, February 26. The premier has reminded Victorians that “this is not over” and that the government is being cautious as there are still nine days to go for the initial active cases across Victoria. 

For further information, check with the Department of Health’s website. And a reminder: get tested if you feel unwell. Here are the places to get tested across Victoria. 

Still keen to stay in? Here’s what you can do at home this weekend.