City of Ballarat services reopening under eased COVID restrictions

The Victorian State Government today announced that Coronavirus restrictions will be lifted across the state from 11.59pm tonight, Tuesday 27 July.  

The eased restrictions will mean the five reasons to leave home will be lifted and businesses will be able to reopen their doors to patrons and staff again with a limit of one person per four square metres however people should remain working from home where they can. 

For City of Ballarat services, this means the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre will be able to reopen with limited patronage from tomorrow morning.  

The Ballarat Information Centre at Town Hall, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Eureka Centre, and Her Majesty’s Ballarat box office and other services will also be able to reopen with density limits in place.  

City of Ballarat Libraries will also be able to open their doors again but with limited patronage subject to density quotients with click and collect services continuing to be provided.  

Essential services such as Meals on Wheels, City of Ballarat childcare centres and kindergartens, the Ballarat Transfer Station and Maternal and Child Health will remain operational as they have been throughout all lockdown periods.  

Community sport is back on for adults and young people for exercise but, with public gatherings limited to 10 people, there will be no crowds or spectators at community or professional sport.  

Masks or face coverings will remain mandatory when outside your home, including in public facing businesses such as cafes and restaurants, offices and other workplaces, and while out in public generally and no visitors are allowed to people’s home for a further two weeks.    

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney, said the short snap lockdown was necessary to keep our community safe and protected. 

“I am so proud of our community and everyone for doing the right thing to ensure the hardest conditions of the snap lockdown did not last longer than absolutely necessary,” he said.  

“The whole state really came together this time and helped to stop the spread of this virus in our region after recent scares in nearby areas like Bacchus Marsh and Geelong.” 

“Our health services, such as Ballarat Health Services and Grampians Health, continue to do a magnificent job making sure our community is protected and again encourage everyone who is able to get vaccinated and soon as they can.”  

“When the five kilometre travel restrictions are lifted and businesses can begin to reopen, remember to keep checking in wherever you go and keep wearing masks.”  

City of Ballarat CEO, Evan King, said along with core services, Council is ensuring the people and businesses of the city are supported through these most recent changes.  

“We know that these lockdowns and restrictions are tough for everyone, and we encourage businesses owners and members of the community to reach out to City of Ballarat for help and we will assist however we can,” he said.  

“Our business support team can help business owners navigate the state and federal support package available, City of Ballarat website is being continually updated with the latest information for community, and we can help connect you with local health services or vaccination centres.”  

“We all came together to stop the spread and we will continue to work together to make sure our community stays safe.”  

For more information on state or federal government business support visit 

www.business.gov.au 

www.business.vic.gov.au 

To find out more about what City of Ballarat services will be affected visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/whats-open-and-whats-closed 

For the most up to date state government COVID information on restrictions visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au