The pandemic declaration will end on Wednesday, October 12 at 11.59pm, the state government has announced.
While Victorians, such as those in Whittlesea and Hume, will no longer be required to isolate after testing positive to COVID-19, isolation for positive cases will still be strongly recommended.
Requirements for close contacts like continually testing negative on a rapid antigen test will also become strong recommendations.
The state government said targeted financial support will continue for eligible healthcare workers, including in Aboriginal, hospital, aged care and disability care work, including those providing in-home care. This financial support will continue supporting these workers to isolate if they test positive to COVID-19, protecting their patients.
“Victorians have done an amazing job over the last three years – and this new framework will give people the choice to do what is right for them and their community following the unanimous decision taken at National Cabinet,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
“We’re making sure there are still requirements in place to protect our dedicated healthcare workers and vulnerable Victorians in high-risk settings like aged care, disability settings and hospitals.”
On advice from the Commonwealth chief medical officer, the decision to end mandatory isolation periods was unanimously agreed to by First Ministers at a meeting of National Cabinet last week, with each jurisdiction to implement the change via their relevant public health legislation.
The Department of Health will put in place Secretary Directions to ensure there is no disruption to vaccination requirements in health service settings.
Powers also exist under OH&S laws and Departmental Secretary Directions to require vaccinations for people in workplaces, including in the public service – allowing employers to decide which measures are most appropriate to keep their workplaces protected against COVID-19.
Every Victorian business or organisation with on-site operations must still keep a COVIDSafe Plan at their workplace and workplaces should regularly review and update their COVIDSafe Plan.
