Residents of Victoria and New South Wales are enjoying new freedoms, as more COVID-19 restrictions were eased on Monday morning ahead of the festive season.
In Victoria, it is no longer compulsory to wear masks in offices or cafes.
Masks must still be carried at all times and worn on public transport, in ride-share vehicles, at indoor shopping centres and crowded places.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says people should use their discretion about wearing masks in instances where adequate social distancing cannot be achieved.
People wearing face masks are seen waiting to board a flight to Sydney at Melbourne. Source: AAP
"Masks have been a great insurance policy and remain as such," Mr Andrews said.
Melbourne households are now able to receive 30 visitors a day - up from 15 - from an unlimited number of other homes.
Outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people are permitted in public places.
Caps have been removed for weddings, funerals and religious events, with attendance instead subject to one person per two square metres.
People seen walking around and lining up for rides without wearing masks at Luna Park in Melbourne. Source: Sipa USA Alexander Bogatyrev / SOPA Image
Patron limits at pubs, cafes and restaurants have also been scrapped, but venues must observe the rule of one person per two square metres. Customers will no longer have to be seated for service.
In NSW, residents are enjoying what Treasurer Dominic Perrottet has described as "freedom day".
The rule of one person per four square metres will change to one person per two square metres, with gyms and nightclubs the only exceptions.
Caps on patron numbers at hospitality venues, weddings and funerals are scrapped, and standing in outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted.
Nightclubs can open, with up to 50 people on the dancefloor at a time.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian addresses media during a COVID-19 update in Sydney. Source: AAP
Controlled events are permitted to have up to 5000 people, while stadiums and outdoor theatres can operate at 100 per cent capacity.
Indoor stadiums and theatres can operate at 75 per cent capacity and choirs of up to 50 people will be permitted to perform indoors.
The government has also agreed to lift the limit on outdoor gatherings - including back yards - to 100 people, in time for Christmas celebrations.
The changes come into effect only days after the diagnosis of a Sydney hotel quarantine worker threatened the state's progress, as it notched up 26 days without a locally transmitted virus case.
But with authorities confirming the woman was infected at work and a testing blitz yet to yield another positive result, the NSW government has proceeded with the changed restrictions.
It also follows the quarantining of 176 passengers and crew from a flight into Melbourne, , and boarded Virgin flight VA838 which landed in Melbourne on Saturday.
Neither of the pair - a 53-year-old woman and 15-year-old boy - have shown symptoms and have since tested negative to COVID, Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: , , , , , , ,
