Millions of Australians are freed from lockdown TODAY across Victoria and South Australia but strict rules remain in place – here's everything you need to know
Millions of Australians rejoiced as Covid restrictions were finally lifted in Victoria and South Australia just before midnight on Tuesday.
Lockdowns in both states officially ended at 11.59pm - but a number of strict rules will stay in place which business leaders fear will make life even more difficult for struggling owners and staff.
Victorian residents, who were enduring their fifth lockdown, must wear facemasks at all times - both indoors and outdoors - with a strict cap of 100 people at hospitality venues.
The state saw ten new local coronavirus cases recorded on Tuesday, but with all infections linked to current outbreaks and no one out in the community while infectious, health officials gave the reopening a green light.
Schools and daycare will re-open on Wednesday morning, with universities and other forms of study recommended to be done remotely.
With Covid restrictions now lifted in Victoria and South Australia, businesses can cater for indoor patrons (pictured a cafe in Adelaide's CBD)
Gyms, hairdressers and beauty salons will re-open in both states, which will be a welcome relief for many (pictured walkers during Melbourne's lockdown)
Offices will operate at 25 per cent capacity, with QR check-ins mandatory at supermarkets and retail shops.
Restaurants and cafes can cater for up to 100 people, while public gatherings are not to exceed 10 people.
Visitors are not permitted at people's homes, however intimate partners or a friend are accepted as part of a 'single bubble.'
Community sport will recommence and gyms will again be open, as will hairdressers and beauty salons.
Cinemas and nightclubs also will finally be able to open their doors, with weddings limited to 50 guests.
VICTORIA'S NEW COVID RESTRICTIONS FROM 11.59PM TUESDAY
Travel and leaving home
The 5km rule will be scrapped and people can leave home for any reason
Schools and learning
Schools will reopen for face-to-face teaching, with childcare centres still open. Higher education will remain remote
Masks
Masks to remain mandatory when outside the home, both outdoors and indoors
Working
Offices can return to 25 per cent capacity, with people still encouraged to work from home if they can
Hospitality
Pubs, restaurants, cafes and bars can reopen with a maximum of 100 customers, in line with one person per 4sqm rules
Shops
All shops can reopen their doors, but with one person per 4sqm customer limits
Hair and beauty
All beauticians and hairdressers can open
Entertainment and sport
Crowds are still banned at AFL games and all other large events, but 100 people are allowed to go to the theatre
Live music venues can reopen, with a density limit of 300 people outdoors and 100 people indoors for entertainment venues
Social gatherings
Home visits banned, but 10 people can attend public gatherings
Gyms and fitness
Gyms can reopen, as can dance classes
Border restrictions
The border with New South Wales will remain closed, with tightened restrictions for border towns
Travel
Movement around Melbourne and regional Victoria is unrestricted.
Visitors to Alpine resorts in the state must have had a negative Covid test within the previous 72 hours
Religious venues, funerals and weddings
100 people can gather indoors at a religious venue, with 300 outdoors, subject to one person per 4sqm rule
Both funerals and weddings can have 50 people
Real estate
Auctions can go ahead with 100 people indoors or outdoors, inspections are also allowed with maximum 10 people subject to one person per 4sqm limits
Sport and recreation
All swimming pools, leisure centres, play centres and skateparks can reopen, with 100 people indoors and 300 people outdoors, also subject to the density limit
Community sport can recommence, but spectators are not allowed
Hospital visits
Visits to hospitals are allowed for a parent, guardian or carer of a child patient
Visits are also allowed for patient's emotional or physical wellbeing
The same number applies for funerals, and house auctions can also go under the hammer - in groups not exceeding 100 people.
In South Australia, the rules are slightly more relaxed, after the state recorded no new Covid cases after Monday.
Premier Steven Marshall said it was a 'huge relief' that the seven-day lockdown would end.
He also warned of a potential relapse, with face masks to remain mandatory at high-risk settings such as aged care and hospitals, indoor public places and services such as beauticians and hairdressers.
But unlike in Victoria, masks won't be required outdoors.
In Victoria, with Covid restrictions lifted, restaurants and cafes can cater for up to 100 people, while public gatherings are not to exceed 10 people (pictured, patrons at a Melbourne cafe before the recent lockdown)
Community sport will also return this weekend, and churches can stage services - but singing is banned.
The likes of cinemas, gyms, cafes and restaurants can all re-open, with SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens calling for a 'commonsense approach.'
Weddings and funerals will operate at a reduced capacity.
As of Tuesday night, South Australia has 25 active Covid cases, with two people in a stable condition in hospital.
POST-LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS IN SA FROM JULY 28 ONWARDS
Businesses, including licensed premises, will be back with density levels at 1 person per 4 sqm - 25 per cent capacity
Churches and mosques can hold services with 1 person per 4 square metres - and there can be singing by a performer only as long as they social distance
Theatres and cinemas to reopen with 1 person per 4 square metres
Weddings/Funeral/reception/wake at a licensed premises back to the 1 person per 4 square metres rule
Home gatherings capped at 10 people
Seated consumption for food and drinks - both indoor and outdoor
Singing and dancing and shisha bars banned
Masks can be removed for the provision of personal care or health care services for the period of the provision of that service, eg a dentist, lip waxing.
High school students and their teachers will be required to wear masks while indoors. Primary school exempt
Schools, universities, TAFEs and other education institutions will back on Wednesday, but parents urged not to enter school grounds and no whole-of-school assemblies or excursions
OSHC, rural care and occasional care can resume services from Wednesday
Construction sites can re-open
Gyms and fitness centres can re-open with one person per 8sqm density rules
Hairdressers and beauty businesses can re-open but staff MUST wear masks at all times
Working from home is not compulsory but encouraged
Source: SA Health