Victorian pubs and cafes to reopen in June as coronavirus restrictions ease

Victorians will be able to eat and drink inside pubs, cafes and restaurants again from June 1, starting with up to 20 people indoors.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews Source: AAP

Victorians will be able to eat and drink inside restaurants, cafes and pubs again from the start of June, under an easing of coronavirus restrictions.

Such venues will be able to host up to 20 people in an enclosed space from June 1, Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday.
That number will increase to 50 from June 22, and to 100 during the second half of July.

Venues that have been open in recent weeks have only been able to serve takeaway.
The development comes after another 50,000 tests were conducted in the past week, with the state government given confidence by the low rates of community transmission.

But the premier stressed social distancing measures - which are being hashed out with industry - will have to be followed.

"It is a long and extensive set of rules," Mr Andrews told reporters on Sunday.
Victoria recorded another seven COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing the state's total so far to 1561.

Two cases are linked to existing outbreaks, three were found in hotel quarantine and the other two cases are being investigated.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at .


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Published 17 May 2020 10:12am
Updated 17 May 2020 10:34am



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