From Thursday, those in regional Victoria will be able to dine out at their local cafe, restaurant, bar or pub, with strict limits in place.

Hospitality venues will be able to accommodate up to 10 patrons indoors, subject to indoor density limits of four square metres per person. Larger venues could claim up to two separate indoor areas, which could mean 10 in each room, totalling 20 patrons overall.

Even more people will be allowed outside, with up to 50 patrons permitted in an outdoor dining area, subject to a density rule of one person per 2 square metres and a distance of 1.5 metres between tables.

Reservations would also be capped at 2 hours per booking, and spaces cleaned after every customer. Records will be kept from all patrons to allow contact tracing to take place.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the changes were possible due to a dramatic drop in cases, with the 14-day rolling average down to less than 5 cases a day.

“I am absolutely delighted to be able to announce that regional Victoria, from 11:59pm tomorrow [Wednesday] night, will be able to take the third step in our safe and steady road map to COVID-normal,” Mr Andrews said.

“It’s a massive thing. It is such good news. I am so, so pleased and proud of every single regional Victorian who has stayed the course, followed the rules, got tested.”