From Saturday, Victoria will allow full capacity for seating, indoors and outdoors, for events that have a maximum of 1000 people per space.This includes sports and arts venues and means events can now sell more tickets across the state.Venues with more than 1000 people per space must apply for consideration under the current system for public events.But the rules do not mean there will be bigger crowds at major footy games, with a 75 per cent cap remaining for larger events. The decision was made following advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee and was discussed at national cabinet.Victoria’s Chief Health Officer will look at easing caps for other bigger events, of more than 1000 people, depending on outbreaks and behaviour around QR codes and other public health measures.Density requirements of one person per 2sq m will remain for areas where the public is not sitting down.Office workers will also be welcomed back, with no density requirements enforced in workplaces except for public spaces such as lobbies.The changes free employers to bring all their staff back to work, with companies initially struggling to fit all workers in under the previous guidelines.No density quotas will apply for courts, tribunals or the Victorian Parliament but every business will still need a COVIDSafe Plan.Health Minister Martin Foley said empty chairs could now be filled.“That’s a big moment for operators who will be able to run at 100 per cent seated capacity, with up to 1000 patrons per space, for the first time in almost a year,” he said. “More people coming back to the office means more people visiting shops, cafes, restaurants and services throughout our business precincts, which are getting busier by the day.”“There are still important steps that venues and visitors have to observe to help us stay safe and stay open, such as the need to keep checking in at venues.” kieran.rooney@news.com.au
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