Effective from 11.59pm Thursday 10 June 2021
To our incredible dance and performing arts sector,
We are all relieved to see case numbers going down, and to hear the news of restrictions easing however, we as a sector and community remain heavily impacted by the restrictions announced today 9/6/2021.
While we would love to see our entire state dancing sooner the current health advice classifies dancing indoors as a high-risk setting. While we will continue advocating for dance and performing arts to be considered on its own merits and risk studies, the following rules are in place;
- Regional Victoria where dancers can return to the studio safely with 1 per 4sqm density limits from this Friday. There is a maximum of 50 people permitted inside a venue and a maximum group size of 10. Dance studios and rehearsals are not permitted in Greater Melbourne yet.
- Greater Melbourne remains closed (The Acting Premier has indicated the plan for Greater Melbourne to open up to the same restrictions as regional Victoria next Friday, 18 June)
Note: QR code check-ins are compulsory for all businesses and workplaces statewide, for all; visitors, customers and staff to check in. This is a slight change from the previous directions.
The Victorian Government has acknowledged the hardship of businesses who must remain closed, announcing “A further $2,000 top-up payment will be available to businesses in metropolitan Melbourne that are closed due to extended restrictions announced today, including gyms, dance schools and yoga studios, taking the total amount available to businesses in eligible sectors to $7,000”. (This is for businesses already eligible under the business costs assistance program).
Ausdance VIC has been advocating loudly to have increased support for our sector and a revision of rulings we must follow during lockdowns such as, business access to Zoom classes, earlier opening at safe capacity’s and greater expansion of business grant accessibility. This work will continue.
If you missed it: we support the petition calling for all small businesses and sole traders to be included in the Victorian Government’s support grants. Please sign and share http://chng.it/ftp9TQTPXk
Stay safe, be kind. We will all dance together soon.
Read the Acting Premier’s statement and view the table of restrictions: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-acting-premier-3
More information: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/
Stay Informed, Stay Calm, we will get through this!
Information on Mask Exemptions: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/face-masks-when-wear-face-mask#lawful-excuses-or-exceptions-for-not-wearing-a-face-mask
Not sure if your suburb is in Greater Melbourne? Use this Victorian Government website to find out: https://knowyourcouncil.vic.gov.au/councils