Dear members,
The Premier has announced today (1 September) that our lockdown will extend now until 70% of Victorians have had at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, which they estimate will be around 23 September.
The situation for U3A Knox – because of these restrictions, and because our term break runs from 10 September until 10 October, U3A Knox is not expecting to open its doors again until Monday 11 October. Even then, it is highly likely that our class sizes will be limited, as they have been previously, and some of the classes will not be able to run as normal. An email will be sent out to all members after 23 September, when the effects of government announcements on our operations have been assessed.
Restrictions still in place:
- Curfew to remain, stay at home between 9pm & 5am each night.
- Only five reasons to leave home: shopping for things you need – one person per household per day, exercise, care or caregiving, authorised work or education if you can’t do it from home, or to get vaccinated at the nearest possible location
- Authorised workers will be required to carry permits when working, and when travelling for work, from 11:59pm on Tuesday August 17. The permits need to be certified by an employer.
- No private gatherings in the home
- No public gatherings
- Masks still to be worn at all times
From 11.59pm on Thursday 2 September, playgrounds will re-open – with strict rules to keep everyone safe. Playgrounds will be for children under 12 with only one parent or carer, and adults should not remove their masks to eat or drink. Playgrounds will also have QR codes for checking in.
Once the 70% vaccination mark has been reached, lifting of restrictions will see the 5km radius expanding to 10km – so exercise and shopping can take place up to 10km from your home. If there’s no shops in your 10km radius, you’ll be able to travel to the ones closest to you. Victorians will be able to exercise for an extra hour, for up to three hours per day. Outdoor personal training will be allowed with up to two people plus the trainer. Outdoor communal gym equipment and skateparks will reopen.