Yarra, along with the rest of metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, has reduced restrictions under the Third Step Towards COVID Normal.

The rundown on restrictions

There are some big changes that came into effect from 11.59pm last night (Sunday 8 November 2020). Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria now both operate under the same restrictions.

Changes to how we live

• There are no limits on how far you can travel or the reasons you can travel. The 25km limit on how far you can travel no longer applies. 
• You do not need a permit to travel.
• You can travel between regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne.
• You must continue to wear a mask outside of your home.
• A maximum of two adults can visit your home each day. The two people may be from different households and may visit separately. Infants under 12 months and intimate partners are not included in this cap, and other dependents can also attend if they cannot be left unattended.
• Outdoor gatherings can have up to 10 people from any number of households.
• Cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants can serve up to 70 people outdoors and up to 40 people indoors. Patron must sign in.
• Indoor exercise, including gyms, are open with limits on the number of people in spaces.
• Community venues, including libraries and neighbourhood houses, are open for up to 20 people indoors with a maximum of 10 people per space.
• Indoor pools can open for up to 20 people. Up to 50 are permitted in outdoor pools, including Fitzroy Pool.
• Outdoor religious ceremonies can have up to 50 people plus a faith leader. Indoor services can be held with up to 10 people. Indoor religious gatherings can be held with up to 10 people per group (plus a faith leader), and 20 people per facility.
• Funerals have increased to up to 50 people if held outdoors, and 10 indoors.

Changes to how we work

• If you can work from home, you must work from home.
• Cafes, restaurants and pubs have increased capacity and density limits. If you have a business that has reopened, your staff can attend work straight away.
• All remaining retail is open.
• Beauty and personal care services have resumed.
• Outdoor entertainment venues can begin hosting visitors.

For more details on these changes visit DHHS – Victoria's restriction levels.

What’s changing at Yarra?

Customer service centres

• Our customer service centres at Collingwood Town Hall and Richmond Town Hall have reopened.
• Remaining centres will open in the near future.
• Please use our online services where possible.
• Remember to wear a mask, keep your distance and wash your hands if you’re visiting us. If you’re feeling unwell or have any COVID symptoms, please stay home and get tested.

Libraries

• Yarra Libraries branches have reopened today, Monday 9 November 2020, with capacity and density limits.
• Fitzroy, Carlton and Richmond Libraries will be opened for 20 people at a time.
• Bargoonga Nganjin North Fitzroy Library will be open to 10 people in the main space.
• The Children's Library at Bargoonga Nganjin North Fitzroy Library is being treated as a separate space and is subject to its own capacity limit of 10.
• Visit times will be capped at 90 minutes.
• Wait times may apply.
• Collingwood Library will remain closed due to ongoing building works.

Yarra Leisure

These Yarra Leisure facilities are open, with an online booking system and restrictions in place:

• Fitzroy Swimming Pool: gym, group exercise and toddler pool
• Collingwood Leisure Centre: 25m indoor pool, and toddler pool
• Richmond Recreation Centre: 50m indoor pool 
• Burnley Golf Course.

Indoor pools can hold up to 20 people. Up to 50 are permitted in outdoor pools. You need to book a spot before you can attend.

We are currently working through the detail for the return of our programs and services.

Visit Road to Reopen for up-to-date information.

Maternal and child health services

• Face-to-face maternal and child health services have resumed.
• All appointments will be at your local MCH centre.
• Telephone/telehealth will also continue to be used to keep in touch with families.
• Groups will continue to be held online at this time.

Gleadell Street Market

• The Gleadell Street Market continues to operate every Saturday with capacity and density limits.
• Please wear a mask, keep your distance and practice good hygiene when visiting the market.

Car parking

• From Wednesday 28 October 2020, we started enforcing overstays in green parking zones and not having a valid parking ticket (where applicable).
• This is to ensure fair access to car parking in Yarra as restrictions ease and retail and hospitality businesses reopen.

Recycle drop-off point

• Our recycling centre at Clifton Hill reopened to the general public Monday 9 November.
• Please remember to maintain social distancing. Masks are required.
• Extended wait times are likely, so thanks in advance for your patience.

Other services

There may be changes to more services. We will update the Service Changes section of the Coronavirus Hub on our website as we know more.

We’re here for you

For support (like food packages, financial support or wellness tips), updates on our services or information in your language, visit the Coronavirus Hub or call us on 03 9205 5555.