Major change to Victoria's coronavirus rules: Masks may no longer be compulsory in public as the state heads towards a week of no new cases - but there is a catch

Face masks in Victoria could be relaxed when the latest round of eased coronavirus restrictions are unveiled on Sunday. 

Victorians would be allowed to ditch personal protection equipment when they're alone outdoors after the state recorded its seventh consecutive day with no new coronavirus cases on Friday -  the first time since June 15.

The issue of masks is expected to be discussed when the Crisis Council of Cabinet meets on Saturday to examine the next restrictions to be eased.

Senior public health officials have circulated advice that Victorians may take off masks when outdoors and alone or not near anyone else, the Herald Sun reported.

But Victorians would still need to carry a mask at all times when out and about, particularly in public settings where social distancing isn't possible. 

Wearing of face masks could be part of the latest changes on eased restrictions to be announced on Sunday. Pictured are Melburnians in Bourke Street Mall on Friday

The wearing of masks has been mandatory in Victoria for the last three months. Pictured is a masked Melbourne Freedom Rally protester speaking to police on Tuesday

Face masks were made compulsory in Melbourne in August and later statewide in the wake of the state's second horror coronavirus wave.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has previously said he had no plans to change current mask rules as other restrictions are relaxed.

But he could be forced to backflip on his stance following the latest public health advice.

'I'm very hopeful on Sunday, that we can make announcements, as we foreshadowed, we may be able to add a little bit there,' Mr Andrews told reporters on Friday.

'Perhaps more importantly, we'll then be able to talk about what the rest of November looks like.' 

Melbourne University epidemiologist Professor Tony Blakely believes the compulsory wearing of masks can be ditched once the state records 28 consecutive days of zero cases and transmission. 

Victoria recorded its seventh consecutive day of zero new cases on Friday. Pictured are commuters walking along Flinders Street Station underpass in Melbourne's CBD

'But between now and then it can be rationalised to using in busy or crowded places,' he told the Herald Sun.

'They will be on public transport or places like Smith Street, if you're watching a band.'

Deakin University's Professor Catherine Bennett said masks have made a difference in helping to contain the second wave. 

'As we move from outbreak response mode into prevention, masks will still have a place in closed indoor settings and public transport,' she said.

Victorian Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton admitted on Sunday that face masks were only useful if there was community transmission.

Senior public health officials have circulated advice that Victorians may take off masks when outdoors and alone or not near anyone else. Pictured are Melburnians on Friday

'What we shouldn't be complacent about is thinking that if we've got a few days with no cases, that there is never a requirement for masks,' he said. 

Masks are important for those potential transmission events when we don't know that there's something out there.

'Clearly we will be transitioning … we will be transitioning from universal mask-wearing to maybe indoors only, to maybe just high-risk settings at the appropriate time.

Victoria recorded zero new cases and or lives lost on Friday, bringing the 14 day average average down to 1.3.  

The number of active cases across Victoria has dropped down to 15. 

Pictured are men wearing masks while playing a game of lawn bowls in Melbourne on Friday

There are still currently two 'mystery cases' in the state from an unknown source. 

Thanks to the declining case numbers, Melbourne residents will be able to go to the gym and travel to regional Victoria as a part of eased COVID-19 restrictions due to start at 11.59pm on Sunday.

Travel restrictions between Melbourne and regional Victoria will be lifted and the 25km travel radius scrapped.

Gyms and fitness facilities will reopen with a cap of 20 people while restaurants, hotels and cafes will be allowed to seat more patrons.

The outdoor cap will be raised to 70 people while the indoor dining limit will be lifted from 10 to 40 people. 

Funerals will now be allowed to cater to 20 mourners indoors and 50 mourners outdoors. 

The low case numbers prompted New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian to announce her state would open its border to Victoria on November 23.

Changes coming to Melbourne

Premier Daniel Andrews has promised more restrictions will be eased in Victoria as the state reported six consecutive days of zero new cases.

The following restrictions are set to be eased from 11.59pm on November 8:

1) Melbourne's 25 kilometre travel limit will be scrapped.

2) Gyms will reopen with a cap of 20 people inside.

3) Hospitality venues will be able to seat 70 people outside. The cap on indoor dining will also be raised from 10 to 40 people.

4)  Funerals will now be allowed to cater to 20 mourners inside and 50 mourners outside.

5) Religious gatherings may have 20 people indoors and 50 people, plus a religious leader, outside.