Participation restrictions eased for religious ceremonies in regional Victoria

After 11.59pm on Tuesday, October 27, up to 20 people plus one faith leader will be allowed at indoor religious gatherings.

Outdoors, up to 50 worshipers can attend.

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Religious organisations have been prohibited from holding indoor ceremonies with worshippers for most of the period since the COVID-19 pandemic started in March.

Last week, Member for Ripon Louise Staley called for indoor religious services for worshippers to recommence as case numbers low for nearly all of regional Victoria.

"Right across Ripon, religion is a hugely important aspect of many people's lives," Ms Staley said.

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"As most of regional Victoria has been COVID-19 free for many weeks now, it is time to allow people of faith to attend indoor services at their local church."

Ms Staley said individuals and leaders of faith communities had been in contact with concerns about a time-frame of when indoor services could resume.

She said it made little sense for hospitality venues to accommodate customers indoors with density limits but not allow the same for religious gatherings.

"Church leaders have assured me they are ready to hold ceremonies with their communities in attendance again, in a COVID-safe way," she said.

"If we can support local pubs, cafes, and restaurants by allowing them to have people indoors with density limits of 1 person per 4 square metres, why can't we allow religious gatherings to do the same under the same rules?

"This is a time when many people are starting to lose hope. Reconnecting with their faith communities will allow people to support each other and rekindle that hope. It's time to let faith communities welcome people into their churches safely."

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