
Melbourne emerges from sixth lockdown.
Melbourne has emerged from the world's longest lockdown, and as vaccination rates continue to rise, even more freedoms are less than two weeks away.
From Friday, people can leave their homes for any reason and travel anywhere within metropolitan Melbourne.
The curfew has been scrapped, home gatherings of up to 10 are allowed, and hairdressers, beauticians and hospitality businesses can reopen for the fully vaccinated.
Victoria has hit another milestone this morning.
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) October 21, 2021
Two million of us have added digital vax certificates to the Service Victoria app.
From tomorrow we'll need it to check in at the pub or to get a haircut - so take two mins now and you'll be good to go. https://t.co/sYeBMqS8YI
The regional town of Mildura will also exit its lockdown at midnight, a day earlier than planned.
It comes as Victoria reached its 70 per cent double-dose vaccination target on Wednesday, while almost 90 per cent of those aged over 16 have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The state is on track to get to 80 per cent double-dosed by October 30, a week ahead of the original November 5 estimate.
At that point, Melburnians will be able to travel to regional Victoria, masks will no longer be required outdoors, retail and gyms reopen and up to 150 fully vaccinated patrons can be inside venues.
Acting Chief Health Officer Ben Cowie said the state has 500,000 second doses left to get to 80 per cent.
Meanwhile, its expected Victoria will scrap quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated Australians arriving from overseas, bringing the state into line with NSW.
According to several media reports, cabinet ministers met on Thursday night to sign off the plan, which could come into effect as early as November 1.