Victoria finally announces return of face-to-face teaching in schools - but not for another two WEEKS
- On 26 May, prep, Grade 1, Grade 2, Year 11 and Year 12 will return to class
- On June 9, all other students will also return to face-to-face teaching
- Victoria is the last state or territory to announce the relaxation of restrictions
- Five people can visit others in homes and 10 people can meet up outside
Victoria has finally announced schools will restart - two weeks after New South Wales and Queensland.
On 26 May, prep, Grade 1, Grade 2, Year 11 and Year 12 students will return to class.
On June 9, all other students will also return.
The youngest and oldest students have been allowed back first because they are at crucial stages of their education.
Break and lunchtimes will be staggered and assemblies and sports will be cancelled.
Teachers will be able to get tested every two weeks and must socially distance from other staff.
Victoria has finally announced schools will restart - two weeks after New South Wales and Queensland
Premier Daniel Andrews thanked parents for their co-operation in keeping children at home over the past weeks.
He said: 'I know and understand this has not been easy. But it has made a profound difference.
'A profound difference to the number of cases that we have, and our prospects for even further rule changes as we move throughout May and into June.'
Victoria's chief medical officer said schools will have all the hand sanitiser and personal protective equipment that they need.
From 11.59pm on Tuesday, Victorians can invite five people into their homes and will be allowed to gather in groups of ten outside for socialising and recreation.
This means activities such as golf, hiking, fishing, walking, sunbathing and kicking a football around are now allowed with social distancing.
The state will also allow professional sports teams to start training from Wednesday, paving the way for games to restart in the near future.
Premier Daniel Andrews also said schools in the state will be allowed to resume 'soon' - but a timeframe is still being decided.
Victoria will allow professional sports teams to start training from Wednesday, paving the way for games to restart in the near future. Pictured: Richmond v Carlton in March before lockdown
Under Victoria's new rules, ten people can gather outside in a group with social distancing
Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed the news, saying: 'I'm pleased to see the Victorian Premier made decisions today in terms of the road map back.'
Victoria's Liberal Party leader Michael O'Brien said the Premier should have relaxed restrictions before Mother's Day to allow people to see their families.
Mr Andrews warned residents they should still be cautious and social distancing must still be obeyed.
'I know this will come as a welcome relief, but I need to be clear. Although these are our first steps back towards normalcy – they are not an invitation to host a dinner party every night of the week,' he said.
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Weddings are allowed up to ten guests while funerals can have 20 people indoors and 30 people outdoors.
Mr Andrews said these new rules - and a new state of emergency - will be in place until 31 May when they will be reviewed again.
Cafes and restaurants are not allowed to re-open except for takeaway - but Mr Andrews said he hoped they could be allowed to open their doors to more than 10 people in June.
