High vax rate eases restrictions
As the peak of the Omicron wave begins to subside – and with almost 70 per cent of adults now armed with their third dose – Victoria will move into winter safely with most restrictions removed from 11:59pm, Friday 22 April.
The Minister for Health’s changes to pandemic orders include:
- Patrons won’t be required to have two doses or show their vaccination status before entering any venue.
- The requirement for staff and patrons of venues to check-in using the Service Victoria app will end.
- Masks will no longer be required in primary schools, early childhood, hospitality and retail settings, or at events of any size.
- Close contacts will no longer have to quarantine – provided they wear a mask indoors and avoid sensitive settings.
- International travellers who are symptom-free will be recommended but not required to get a PCR or rapid test on arrival.
- People are exempt from testing or quarantine for 12 weeks if they’ve had COVID-19 – up from 8 weeks.
A number of critical and common-sense settings will be retained, including the essential requirement to isolate for seven days following a COVID-19 diagnosis and existing two-dose and three-dose vaccination mandates for workers.
Face coverings will still be required on public transport and at airports and all workplaces will still require a COVIDSafe Plan. Masks are strongly recommended when you can’t physically distance.
Victoria continues to monitor epidemiological conditions and work with other jurisdictions and to ensure COVID settings are aligned.
Read the full list of changes to restrictions
