UPDATED: The Victorian government will follow a five-step plan towards a new COVID-normal environment for the state.
Here are the five basic steps and the timing thresholds that apply.
There is a lot more detail to come on this but let's start with an outline of dates,case numbers and steps.
First Step
Timing:Commences 11.59pm on September 13
Second Step
Timing:The later of either September 28 or when Metro Melbourne reaches an average daily case rate of 30-50 cases over the previous 14 days.
Third Step
Timing:The later of either October 26 or when Metro Melbourne reaches an average daily case rate of fewer than 5 cases statewide over the previous 14 days and there are fewer than 5 cases with an unknown source statewide in the last 14 days.
Last Step
Timing:Later of threshold met and November 23 if state records no new cases for 14 days.
COVID-Normal
Threshold:Move to this step if state reaches no new cases for 28 days,no active cases and no"outbreaks of concern in other states and territories".
Some more changes that could come back if case numbers continue to drop.
From September 28
If cases remain between 30-50 per day on average,pools will reopen,outdoor religious gatherings will be allowed for five people plus one faith leader,gatherings of five people from two households will be permitted,schools will begin a staged return for prep-year two and senior school/special schools,childcare will reopen,and some workplaces will return to work
From October 26
Or when the daily two-week average is fewer than five new cases,the curfew will no longer apply,there will be no restrictions on leaving home,public gatherings outside will increase to ten,five visitors from a nominated home will be permitted,all schoolchildren will begin a phased return,retail and hairdressing will reopen,hospitality will resume outdoor dining and non-contact outdoor sport will return.
From November 23
Or when the state records zero cases for a fortnight,gatherings outside will increase to 50,all retail will return,hospitality will resume indoor dining for 20 people with a total venue cap of 50,real estate will resume,sports restrictions will ease and weddings/funerals will return for up to 50 people.
The last step aka ‘COVID Normal'
This will see most restrictions dropped and most people return to work. No date has been set for this stage.