Restrictions ease

WITH hospitalisation numbers and community transmission decreasing and more than half of Victorians aged over 16 now vaccinated with three doses, a number of common–sense restrictions and recommendations in place during the state's Omicron surge can be safely eased. The Victorian Government has announced several changes to restrictions that have been in place due to COVID–19. Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Laura Binks reminds the community to stay up–to–date with the latest government health advice as we move into a different period of the pandemic. "As always, our community has done an incredible job of working together to get through these challenging past two years," she said. "Council would like to recognise the amazing efforts of our community during this time, and we encourage people to continue to do their best to ensure everyone's safety as restrictions ease." As part of new pandemic orders density quotients of one person per two square metres that were in place at hospitality and entertainment venues were removed. Indoor dancefloors at these venues can also re–open. Under the orders, QR code check–in requirements are longer be in place at retail venues, schools (including childcare and early childhood) and for employees at many workplaces. QR code check–in and vaccination check requirements will remain in all vaccinated economy settings such as hospitality and entertainment venues. Currently, key industries including meat processing observe mandatory surveillance testing requirements. These mandates will be become recommended–only, reflecting declining community transmission. Requirements for hospital worker bubbles will also be removed, but health services may still implement them at their discretion. Small and proportionate adjustments will also occur to border settings for international arrivals, who will no longer be required to obtain an international arrivals permit through Service Victoria. The 14–day hotel quarantine period for international visitors and aircrew who aren't fully vaccinated or medically exempt will reduce to seven days. When Victoria's density quotient restrictions were first announced on January 6, the third dose vaccination rate for Victorians aged 16 and over was only 12.7 per cent, compared to 52.2 per cent today. When the dancefloor closure was announced on January 10, 818 Victorians were in hospital with COVID–19, compared to 401 today. As community transmission of COVID–19 reduces throughout Victoria and vaccination coverage increases, changes to office–based settings will be considered from next week. With the pressure on the health system easing and third dose vaccination coverage climbing, the eventuality of removing the recommendation that Victorians work from home will be considered, as well as easing existing mitigation strategies in office–based settings such as face mask requirements, with consideration to those who have received a third dose of the vaccine and the added protection that it provides. Further details on the new restrictions can be found at published online at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au.