Lockdown ends at midnight

Victoria’s state-wide lockdown will end at midnight tonight, Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed.

But masks will remain compulsory indoors and social gatherings will remain limited until at least next Friday, as public health officials continue monitoring a hotel quarantine outbreak that prompted the snap lockdown.

From 11.59pm tonight, residents are free to leave their homes and the five-kilometre travel limit is scrapped.

Public events, including ceremonies, religious gatherings and community events, can return subject to the density limits of their venues.

Hospitality venues can reopen, and school students can return to in-class learning.

But face masks must remain on inside for at least the next nine days, and are recommended outside where people can’t maintain social distancing.

Household gatherings are limited to five people plus the household members. Outdoor, public gatherings are capped at 20 people.

Hospitals and aged care residents will be limited to a visit from one household per day to protect the most at-risk residents.

Mr Andrews warned that Victorians must remain vigilant until next Friday, which would mark 14 days – a full incubation period – since the state introduced the lockdown.

Victoria recorded new cases in today’s figures from more than 39,000 tests yesterday, with the state’s active case total steady at 25.