Coronavirus: Backflip over rules that kept couples apart

Victoria has backflipped on harsh social distancing rules that originally prevented individuals from visiting their partners if they live separately.

Premier Daniel Andrews had declared couples who did not live together should not be socialising  as this did not fall under the 'essential' activities.

The new measure, crudely dubbed the 'bonk ban', could have seen couples fined up to $20,000 for flouting the rules.

But hours later Victorian Chief Health Officer Prof Brett Sutton said there would be an exemption for couples living apart.

"Regarding 'Stay at Home' rules: We have no desire to penalise individuals who are staying with or meeting their partners if they don't usually reside together," he said.

"We'll be making an exemption."

Victorians will still be subject to all other social distancing guidelines that only permit people being able to leave their homes to buy essentials, exercise, or go to work or study if they can't do it from home.

And even when staying home, gatherings of more than two people who are not part of the household will be an offence.

Premier Daniel Andrews warned Victorians that they will be punished if they refuse to obey the latest restrictions on outdoor gatherings of more than two people.

Victoria is now just shy of 1000 cases and the number of COVID-19 infections continues to spread across the state.