RESTAURANTS and cafes may soon be able to reopen their doors.
Premier Daniel Andrews last week outlined a pathway for hospitality businesses to start seating patrons again. The first step will see cafes, restaurants, and pubs able to serve 20 customers at a time from 1 June.
From 22 June the limit on patrons is expected to increase to 50, and from mid-July it may increase to 100. The easing of restrictions are subject to change if a spike in COVID-19 cases is reported.
“After smashing through our goal of 50,000 tests in the last week, the results of this data has given us the confidence we need to plan to slowly start lifting some more restrictions,” Mr Andrews said.
“The continuing low numbers of community transmission and the high rates of testing give us confidence that cafes, restaurants, pubs and other hospitality businesses can begin planning for a phased reopening from the beginning of June.
“This industry has told us they need time to plan and prepare to protect the safety of their staff and customers. Making these announcements now will be giving them that time.
“We need to be clear though, this is not a done deal. These timelines will depend on how we’re tracking.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 20 May 2020