SYDNEY – Melbourne’s bars and cafes now have unlimited capacity starting on Thursday, with stadiums returning to their full capacity. Authorities lifted almost all COVID-19 restrictions that were in place for residents of Australia’s second-largest metropolitan area.

Victoria is the home of Melbourne. Victoria has gradually relaxed the restrictions on dual-dose vaccinations, which reached 70%, 90% and 80% respectively. The latest relaxations are part of a change in strategy to live with coronavirus. Over the weekend, the full vaccine level is expected to be at 90% for all eligible populations.

“Your life is going to be normal again, and you can enjoy everything that you long for,” Daniel Andrews, State Premier of South Carolina said at a press conference.

There will not be any restrictions on the number of people who can get down to the floor. However, masks will still be required for public transport, health facilities and retail outlets.

Summer sports events, such as the Boxing Day cricket match and Australian Open tennis, will no longer be subject to strict restrictions.

Australia had been able to control the spread of infections throughout the year. However, an infection of the Delta type in June forced months-long lockdowns. Since then, they have been racing to get their vaccines.

Australia’s death toll is still lower than that of many other countries, with 194,000 reported cases, and 1922 deaths from the Delta wave.

New South Wales which encompasses Sydney had 262 and Victoria 1007 cases respectively on Thursday. Australian Capital Territory only reported 25. Fifteen deaths were registered.

As authorities try to reduce the spread of the virus to rural areas, the Northern Territory is currently fighting to control a second outbreak. The COVID is not present in other states or territories.