After 100 days of lockdown, Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has today announced that restrictions will finally ease across metro Melbourne, starting tomorrow (Tuesday, October 27) at 11:59pm.

The good news follows even better news – that Victoria recorded zero new cases of coronavirus today, which marks the first time since June 9, some 139 days ago.

“I want to thank everyone who did the right thing by their community and our state in getting tested,” the Premier said in a statement.

“I also want to thank the nurses, lab technicians, collectors, couriers – everyone who has been working around the clock to process these tests.

“Because of that effort, we have been able to get the results faster than we thought. These results give us confidence – confidence that even if we identify positive cases in any further tests – that we are firmly on top of this virus.

“It’s why today I can confirm what we have long waited for: Melbourne will move out of lockdown and into the third step.”

Under the third step, Melbourne’s cafes, restaurants and pubs are able to reopen, with venues permitted to serve up to 70 patrons at any one time, with a maximum of 50 outdoors and 20 indoors. These numbers are, of course, subject to density limits.

Inside, a maximum of two people per table applies. The indoor venue capacity is limited to the lesser of 25 per cent of a venue’s fixed seating capacity or a density quotient of one person per eight square metres.

Outside, groups of 10 will be permitted, provided they are separated by 10 metres from the next group, with a maximum of four groups at any one time.

Melburnians will no longer be bound by the four reasons to leave home, however, they will still be required to keep to a 25km travel limit.

“From November 8, and if we can continue to keep our numbers down, the 25km limit will come off and Melbourne will be able to meet regional Victoria at the same level,” Andrews added.

On this same date, hospitality venues will also be able to increase their capacity to 110.

“The capacity of pubs and restaurants will increase with up to 40 inside and 70 outside,” Andrews said.

More to come.