Premier Daniel Andrews reveals big changes to Victoria’s COVID restrictions will take effect 6 PM on Friday with more rules to come next week.
Starting at 6 PM on Friday:
• Density limits in the state hospitality venues will be scrapped
• Density limits will be removed and indoor dance floors can reopen
• QR codes will be scrapped in retail, schools, and many employment settings, but they remain in all “vaccinated economy” settings, such as hospitality venues.
• The 14-day hotel quarantine requirement for international travelers who are not fully vaccinated or medically exempt will also be reduced to seven days.
“We have made it very clear that we will do everything we can to normalise this virus — to push beyond it to get as close to normal living normal activity as we could possibly achieve, that’s always based on health advice. It’s always based on science and the numbers of the day and trends that we see numbers of people in hospital for instance. But having seen Omicron peak, and in seeing the numbers continue to fall over these last few weeks, the Minister has made a number of decisions,” said Premier Daniel Andrews.
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Andrews also expects an easing to COVID mask rules and WFH recommendations next week, but the government wants to see hospitalisations continue to trend downwards.
“It is our aim to have those rules changed, I’m confident that we will be able to do that … but I’m not here to make those announcements today … We always said these measures wouldn’t be in place for a minute longer than they are needed, and with hospitalisation numbers decreasing and less pressure on our health system, now is a sensible time to make changes.”
Health Minister Martin Foley further added that it’s not “sensible” to predict what could happen by the end of next week.
“We’re confident on the steps we’re announcing today and we’ll continue to consult with public health officials, hospital sectors and private businesses and a range of other stakeholders … Masks will continue to have a role, but what we want to do is make sure it’s proportionate and used only when necessary.”
Keep checking The Brag for more COVID updates.
