The latest round of easing of coronavirus restrictions, announced by Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday, will see workplaces that are currently under the work-from-home directive able to allow up to a quarter of their staff to return to the office from 30 November.
Businesses with fewer than 40 staff can have 10 staff on-site subject to density quotients.
“I want to be clear though – unless you’re one of those people nominated by your employer – you need to keep working from home,” said Mr Andrews.
Victoria’s public service will continue to work from home to accommodate the return of private-sector workers.
Other businesses will also be able to speed up towards a COVID-normal environment with larger capacities from midnight 22 November.
Large hospitality venues will now be able to accommodate up to 150 patrons, while smaller venues will be able to host up to 50 patrons, with capacities increasing to 300 people for outdoor venues.
Small indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and small theatres will now be able to hold up to 150 patrons, while large venues will be able to host up to their 25 per cent capacity.
Outdoor entertainment spaces will be able to host up to a maximum of 500 people.
The easing of restrictions comes as Victoria records its 23rd consecutive day of no new coronavirus cases, with the state now having just one active case.
The announcement also comes as the NSW and Victoria border reopens on midnight Monday.
“We’ll have more to say about what a ‘COVIDSafe Summer’ will look like in the next few weeks – and in line with what our public health experts are telling us is safe,” said Mr Andrews.
“For now, though, I want to thank Victorians. Getting here was by no means guaranteed. But we did it. You did it.”
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra said the announcement would add to the “strong sense of optimism and positivity” in the state.
“The Victorian Chamber is celebrating three major advocacy wins today in the announcements around office workers getting the green light to return, the increase on indoor hospitality caps which will mean that most can now operate at full capacity and the welcome return of our renowned events,” said Mr Guerra.
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