Are gyms open in Melbourne under new COVID-19 restrictions?
The fitness industry has been thrown a lifeline after being forced to close through Victorias lockdown and subsequent restrictions. Gyms in Melbourne were forced to remain closed while other industries reopened in the past week. But from 11.59pm on Thursday, theyll be allowed to resume operating. Acting Premier James Merlino said theyd be allowed to open under strict density limits and with COVIDsafe plans in place. In Melbourne, the one person per four square metres rule applies, with a maximum of 50 people indoors and no more than 10 people per group. Gyms and other indoor venues in Melbourne will reopen with density limits. Credit: AAP  In regional Victoria, the same density quota applies with an indoor capacity of 300 people. Community sport will also resume operating in Melbourne after being ruled out for the past week. There are, however, limits for participants in indoor settings. Melbournes new restrictions  From Friday, Victorians will have complete freedom of movement with the 25-kilometre travel radius disappearing. It was put in place to stop Melburnians travelling to the regions over the long weekend, but will be gone in the coming days. There will be changes to mask rules and residents will only be required to wear them outdoors when they cannot social distance. Masks will still need to be worn indoors. The ban on home gatherings will be lifted, but there will be a cap of two visitors to a home a day including dependents. Public gatherings will be increased to 20 people. And in welcome news to exercise lovers, gyms will reopen in metropolitan Melbourne from Friday. Cafes, restaurants and pubs will be allowed to host up to 25 people before applying the density quota. Funerals will be allowed 75 mourners and weddings will be allowed 20 guests. From Friday, hair and beauty services can operate without masks. Office workers will be able to return with 50 per cent of their staff, but Merlino said they are still asking people to work from home where they can. Regional Victorias new restrictions  Regional Victoria will be able to ease its restrictions further from Friday. Residents will be allowed to have five visitors to the home per day and outdoor gatherings can be increased to 50 people  Restaurants and cafes can move to 300 people per venue for seated service and smaller venues will be allowed to host up to 25 people before applying the density quota. Funerals are limited to 100 people and weddings to 50 people. Office workers can return with 75 per cent of their staff.