Freedom Day: The huge changes coming to millions of Australians TODAY with the biggest relaxation of covid restrictions in months - and one hated rule is on its way out
Australians are enjoying the biggest relaxation of COVID-19 rules in months as the much-hated order forcing millions to wear masks in public places is scrapped.
Restaurant capacity limits in both Victoria and New South Wales have doubled to one person per two square metres as of Monday, after both states enjoyed sustained periods without a COVID-19 case.
Victorian pub-goers will also be allowed to stand at the bar to enjoy a tipple, while those in NSW can do so as long as they are at an outdoor venue.
Nightclubs will reopen in Victoria after the state went 37 days without a fresh infection - bringing them into line with clubs in NSW which allow 50 people onto the dance floor.
Until a case was confirmed last Thursday, NSW had enjoyed 26 days without a COVID-19 infection.
In a welcome reprieve for Melbourne's five million residents, face coverings in the city will now only be needed when people can't socially distance.
Families are seen lining up to take photos with Santa and his helpers at the Santa's Workshop on Federation Square in Melbourne on Sunday ahead of rules being relaxed
Restaurant and bar capacity limits in both Victoria and New South Wales have doubled to one person per two square metres (pictured, revellers in a Melbourne bar)
That means they are no longer needed when eating out, but are required in places like shopping centres and on public transport.
Outdoor gathering limits in NSW and Victoria have also been eased with 100 allowed to gather in open spaces in both states.
Theatres in NSW can move up to 75 per cent capacity next week.
Fifty people are allowed at home gatherings in NSW, while Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has set that number at 30 for residents.
He explained that the limit applies to all visitors in the home throughout an entire day, and not 30 people for lunch and another 30 for dinner.
Mr Andrews also allowed 50 per cent of private sector workers and 25 per cent of those in the public sector to go back to the office from January 11.
RESTRICTIONS EASED ACROSS NSW AND VICTORIA FROM MONDAY
Nightclubs can reopen in Victoria with the same social distancing measures as NSW - one person per two square metres and 50 people on the dance floor
Restaurant capacity limits in both Victoria and New South Wales have doubled to one person per two square metres
Outdoor gathering limits in NSW and Victoria eased to allow 100 to gather in open spaces in both states
50 people are allowed at home gatherings in NSW and 30 permitted in Victoria
Mask rules have been relaxed in Victoria after the state recorded 37 days straight without any new coronavirus infections. Pictured: People walk along Bourke Street Mall on November 27
Theatres in NSW can move up to 75 per cent capacity next week
Maximum capacity limits removed in NSW for bookings at hospitality venues for: weddings, funerals, regional agricultural shows and corporate and religious events
In Victoria, 50 per cent of private sector workers and 25 per cent of those in the public sector can go into the office from January 11.
From February 8, 50 per cent of public sector workers can go back to their desk.
Masks in Victoria are only needed where social distancing cannot be kept - like rideshare vehicles, taxis, shopping centres and supermarkets.
Victorians should still keep masks on them so they can use them if they get into a situation where they cannot social distance.
Gatherings in outdoor public spaces eased in NSW:
Up to 100 people for outdoor gatherings (increased from 50)
Up to 5000 people for outdoor events that are fenced, ticketed and seated (subject to the 2sqm rule)
Up to 3000 people for other organised outdoor events (subject to the 2sqm rule)
People seen walking around and lining up for rides without wearing masks at Luna Park in Melbourne on Sunday as the famous park re-opened. Face coverings in the city will now only be needed where social distancing cannot be kept
Theatres in NSW can move up to 75 per cent capacity from 50 per cent next week (file image)
Nightclubs can reopen in Victoria after the state went 37 days without a fresh infection (file image)
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has significantly relaxed the state's social distancing restrictions following a 37th straight day without a new coronavirus infection
'Today marks 37 days without a coronavirus case anywhere in our state. This is a remarkable achievement,' Mr Andrews said on Sunday morning.
'It is something that every Victorian owns, it is something every Victorian has built.
'While today we can take some big steps, not to normal, but to a COVID-safe summer, we all need to remain vigilant and we all need to play our part.'
Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton had earlier told a parliamentary inquiry it is safe for the state to move to a 'COVID normal' level of restrictions.
Under the government's original roadmap out of lockdown, 'COVID normal' signifies the end of restrictions on community sport, hospitality venues, gatherings and visitors to the home.
The government announced on Friday it will introduce legislation to charge for the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
The fees will be set at $3,000 per adult, $1,000 for each additional adult in a room and $500 for children aged between three and 18 years. There will be no charge for children under three.
A group of shoppers walk along busy Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne on November 27. Mr Andrews announced a widespread relaxing of workplace capacity rules in Victoria on Sunday