Restrictions to ease

Lockdown restrictions for regional Victoria will drastically change on Thursday after virus numbers plummeted.

The four reasons to leave home will no longer apply.

Gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed outside, infants under 12 months not included, up to five visitors are allowed in the home from a nominated household and students will be staggered back to schools over the first couple of weeks of term four.

Hospitality and entertainment venues are also set to reopen, subject to gathering limits, and requirements around density.

Retail will be expanded to include personal services, such as beauty and tattooing, where a mask can be worn and outdoor auctions will be permitted with a limit of 10 people for retail services.

All community sport can return for children, non-contact sport will be permitted for adults. Gathering limits for weddings will increase to 10 people, and 20 for funerals.

Outdoor religious gatherings will increase to up to 10 people, plus one faith leader.

Tourist accommodation will open for regional Victorians in regional Victoria, for them to travel and holiday within regional Victoria.

Masks will remain mandatory.