Melbourne has entered step two of Victoria's roadmap out of coronavirus restrictions.
But many measures are staying in place for at least another three weeks.
Here's what you need to know.
Can I meet up with other people?
Yes, you can. But the rules are still pretty strict.
Public outdoor gatherings are limited to five people from up to two households, not including babies under 12 months.
The 5-kilometre radius limit still applies here, so you can't meet people outside of your area.
You also still can't visit people at their homes unless they're an intimate partner or your "single social bubble" buddy.
The bubble means you and your nominated person can visit each other to socialise, as long as you both live in Melbourne.
You also both must wear face masks.
Do I still need to wear a face mask?
Yes, face coverings are still mandatory in public across Victoria.
There is also a new requirement for it to be a fitted face mask, which covers the nose and mouth.
"Some of the concessions we made as we adjusted to this new normal — things like wearing a scarf or a bandana or a face shield — will no longer apply," Premier Daniel Andrews said in a statement.
The State Government has also made it clear that a plastic face shield on its own is not enough.
Mr Andrews said this was because it doesn't properly cover the nose and mouth.
"You can wear one if you want, in terms of your eyes, but it would need to be accompanied by a mask," he said.
"We would recommend a two-ply mask, but anything is better than nothing — but a shield [on its own] is akin to not wearing a face covering."
What kind of fitness activities can I do now?
Outdoor pools can reopen for exercise, but changing rooms must stay closed and density limits are in place.
Outdoor personal training will be allowed, with a limit of two people plus one personal trainer.
If you need to bring a baby along to outdoor personal training, children under 12 months aren't included in the two-person limit.
Other forms of outdoor exercise that don't need a facility — such as fishing and hiking — will also be allowed.
But activities that need facilities, like tennis, bowls and golf, are still off the cards for now.
Another big change means Melburnians can now exercise within a 5-kilometre radius of their workplaces, as well as their homes.
If you are exercising near your workplace, you must carry your essential worker permit.
How about limits on weddings, funerals and religious gatherings?
Outdoor weddings will be allowed with up to five people, including the couple and two witnesses, plus the celebrant.
Up to 10 people can attend a funeral, but babies under 12 months of age and the people needed to conduct the service are not included in that limit.
Outdoor religious gatherings and ceremonies of up to five people, plus one faith leader, are now allowed.
A maximum of five people can also attend a place of worship in order to broadcast a religious ceremony.
However, places of worship must remain closed.
Can I go shopping or get drinks in a bar yet?
No, that's still at least three weeks away in Melbourne.
Restaurants and other hospitality venues are only allowed to offer takeaway and delivery services, and most retail is still closed to the general public.
For shopping that is considered essential, like buying groceries, you can now shop with other members of your household.
You can still only venture out for essentials once per day though.
Small pleasures like browsing a shop or sitting down in a cafe for coffee won't be allowed until step three.
Right, so when does Melbourne progress to step three?
Step three of Melbourne's roadmap was originally slated for October 26.
But because Victoria's coronavirus cases are improving faster than anticipated, Mr Andrews said that step could happen a week ahead of schedule on October 19.
"We cannot take that step any earlier because … the impact [of step two] in terms of the spread of the virus will not be known to us for at least two to three weeks," he said.
"October 19 is three weeks away and our experts are confident that that is … enough time for us to be certain that the numbers we see are a true reflection of the impact of the announcements I have just made."
Melbourne's step three trigger points still apply, which means the goal is for Victoria to record a 14-day daily case average below five and fewer than five "mystery" cases over a two-week period.
Modelling suggests that target will be hit in mid to late October, but as Deputy Chief Health Officer Allen Cheng says, sometimes it comes down to chance.
"One large event, one superspreader and it could be pushed back," he said.
"If everything goes well and we get on top, it could be around [October 19]."
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMicGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIwLTA5LTI4L21lbGJvdXJuZS1jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1yZXN0cmljdGlvbnMtd29yay1maXRuZXNzLXNob3BzLWZhY2UtbWFza3MvMTI3MDg2MjjSASdodHRwczovL2FtcC5hYmMubmV0LmF1L2FydGljbGUvMTI3MDg2Mjg?oc=5
2020-09-27 20:27:00Z
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