SOUTH-WEST abattoir workforces are set to increase to 90 per cent capacity after coronavirus restrictions reduced them by a third about seven weeks ago.
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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the change on Sunday as part of a step that would bring back 127,000 workers statewide.
The increase for abattoir staff will be "in line with levels we know are safe", the Premier said in a statement.
In regional Victoria, workforce capacity will increase to 90 per cent for meat, poultry and seafood processing, while different arrangements exist for metropolitan Melbourne processors.
"Recognising the increased risk in some of these environments, there'll be additional obligations for employers, including regular surveillance testing of staff, nightly deep cleaning, separating workers into consistent bubbles, and providing regular training for their workers," Mr Andrews said.
Warrnambool-based Midfield Meat had concerns about restrictions in early August and employs about 1000 workers, but declined to comment on Sunday.
Mr Andrews said the step would bring back more workers than the 100,000 the government had previously flagged at this stage of a recovery road map, with supermarkets and food distribution centres also returning to full capacity.
He said there had been no new cases of coronavirus in regional Victoria overnight. There were 16 new cases overnight across the state and two deaths.
Mr Andrews announced a fine of nearly $5000 for people having more than five visitors in their home or meeting outside in big groups.
He said there would be no warnings and it was imperative the rules were followed.
"If you have a party at your house, that is not lawful," Mr Andrews said.
"I can't make it any clearer how important this is. We are so close to beating this thing ... (but) the home environment is one of the riskiest environments."
People in regional areas can have up to five people visit from another nominated household, and meet in groups of up to 10 outdoors in public.
Face shields, scarfs and bandanas are also no longer allowed to be worn on their own without a fitted face mask, Mr Andrews said.
"Victorians will now be required to wear a fitted face mask, covering the nose and mouth," he said.
"Some of the concessions we made as we adjusted to this new normal - things like wearing a scarf or a bandana or a face shield - will no longer apply."
Residents in metropolitan Melbourne moved to a next step, with groups of up to five from two households allowed to meet outdoors and the city's curfew scrapped.
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