IN time for the long weekend, vaccination, venue check-in, and mask requirements were wound back across Victoria.
Health Minister Martin Foley announced the changes to the state’s Covid restrictions last Wednesday, alongside chief officer Brett Sutton, citing high rates of vaccination as the basis for the changes.
“This sensible easing of restrictions is only possible because we are one of the most vaccinated societies in the world with almost 70 percent of Victorian adults already armed with their third dose,” said Mr Foley.
“The vaccinated economy kept Victorians safe, and businesses open during an unpredictable time when we saw our highest case numbers ever – but now is the right time to set it aside and focus on the highest risk settings.”
Some key developments that will benefit pubs and clubs are:
• Patrons no longer are required to show proof of vaccination at any venue
• Check-ins are no longer required at any venue Masks are no longer required in schools, hospitality, retail or at any events
• Events with more than 30,000 people will no longer require public health pre-approval
• People who have had COVID-19 will now be exempt from testing or quarantine for 12 weeks, up from 8 weeks; and -Individuals will be required to notify their workplace and social contacts. Workplaces will not have to notify exposed workers.
Furthermore, all restrictions in hospitals, except for mask-wearing, are removed; and close contacts no longer need to quarantine but they must wear a mask indoors, avoid sensitive settings, and record at least five negative RATs over the seven days that would have been the self-quarantine period.
