Melbourne Covid curfew ends and restrictions ease, but Victoria introduces huge new fines

Schools and childcare return, while rules are relaxed for outdoor gatherings, but breaches may be punished with fines of almost $5,000
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Melbourne's nighttime curfew will end on Monday and coronavirus restrictions may ease faster than expected, Daniel Andrews has announced.

Victoria would now base its decisions about public health restrictions on case numbers, rather than aspirational dates, the premier said. This could mean the state would take its next step towards lifting restrictions as early as 19 October, with an aim for a Covid-normal Christmas", Andrews said.