Elsie Lange
From Friday evening, Victorians can head to their favourite dancefloor without fear of being turned away due to density limits, but will still have to bring a mask and check-in.
The Victorian government today announced that from Friday, February 18 at 6pm, density limits will be removed, indoor dancefloors can reopen, QR code check-ins will no longer be required at retail venues, schools including childcare and early childhood, and for employees at many workplaces.
QR code check-ins and vaccination checks will still be required at hospitality and entertainment venues and mask requirements will continue, but will be revisited with potential changes next week.
“Changes to QR code requirements will still support our focus on the highest-risk settings most likely to generate super-spreader events – and we will keep reviewing the system over time in line with the epidemiological situation,” Health Minister Martin Foley said.
Mandatory surveillance testing at key industries will become recommended-only because of declining community transmission and requirements for hospital worker ‘bubbles’ removed unless implemented by health services at their own discretion.
International arrivals and aircrew who are not fully vaccinated will now only have to quarantine for seven days.
Mr Foley will also consider removing the work-from-home recommendation.
“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,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
“We’re grateful to everyone who has been doing the right thing, helping to reduce the impact of this virus on the community, our healthcare system and our economy.”
