Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in Yarra have changed slightly, after Melbourne moved to the Second Step towards COVID Normal at 11.59pm on Sunday 28 September 2020.

What’s changed?

A few important things have changed under the Second Step.

Summary:

• The curfew has been lifted, but the four reasons to leave home still apply.
• Up to five people from a maximum of two households can meet outdoors for two hours of social interaction, exercise or recreation 
• Personal training is now allowed outdoors, with up to two people per trainer.
• Bandanas and face shields are no longer acceptable face coverings.
• Fitzroy Pool (and other outdoor swimming pools) has reopened. 

Face masks

You must wear a mask at all times when you are outside your home. This no longer includes bandanas or face shields – you must wear a fitted face mask that covers your mouth and nose. 

Socialising

Up to five people from a maximum of two households can now meet outdoors for two hours of social interaction, exercise or recreation. The cap doesn’t include infants under 12 months of age. You must be within 5km of your home.

If you live alone or are a single parent of children under the age of 18, you can continue to have one exclusive, nominated visitor in your home ‘bubble’.

The fines for unlawful indoor or outdoor gatherings has increased. If you are caught breaking the rules, you will be fined nearly $5,000.

Long day care (child care)

Long day care services are now open for all families. We’re excited to welcome our families back to the service as per your usual bookings.

We have a thorough COVIDSafe Plan and additional health and safety measures in place to protect you and your children.

Get in touch with your service directly if you have any questions.

Outdoor pools

Outdoor pools are now allowed to open with special arrangements in place. This means Yarra Leisure’s outdoor pool at Fitzroy opens from today. Visit Yarra Leisure’s Road to Reopen for all the details.

Exercise and personal training

Personal training is now allowed outdoors, with up to two people per trainer. You’re allowed to spend up to two hours per day exercising with a personal trainer.

We encourage all eligible personal trainers, who wish to conduct training sessions in Yarra, to visit our Personal trainer permits page. 

Curfew

Melbourne’s curfew has lifted. There are no longer restrictions on what time you can leave your home. However, the four permitted reasons for leaving your home still apply:

• shopping for essential items
• to provide care
• for work, if you have a Permitted Worker Permit
• for exercise within 5km of your home.

Get more information

Visit the DHHS coronavirus website for full details on these new restrictions.

Please remember to keep wearing a mask, practising good hand hygiene and physical distancing when you’re out and about.

We’re still here for you

You can be assured that we’ll continue to deliver the essential services Yarra needs to keep moving. As restrictions continue to ease, there will be more changes to our programs and services. We’ll update you on this as we know more. 

Get the support you need

For support (like food packages, financial support or wellness tips), updates on our services or information in your language, you can find everything on our Coronavirus Hub, or by calling us on 03 9205 5555.