Changes to QR rules, and masks could soon be on the way out

PREMIER Daniel Andrews announced COVID-19 rule changes today, as part of ‘normalising’ the virus, and with the reduction in Omicron case numbers.

From 6pm on Friday, February 18:

– Density limits in hospitality and entertainment venues no longer apply.
– QR check ins are no longer required in retail, schools (including early childhood), employees, and many other workplaces.
– Vaccinated economy remains in place (2 dose rule) still applies to restaurants and hotels and people will have to check in. These rules don’t apply to supermarkets.
– Surveillance testing in key industries no longer required.
– Hospital worker bubbles to be removed, but can still be used at discretion of health service.
– International arrivals no longer need to obtain an international arrivals permit through Services Victoria. If unvaccinated, only have to quarantine for seven days.

Masks & work from home rules

Being assessed further. Premier and Health Minister aim to make further announcements on these topics before next Friday (February 25). Looking at lifting mask requirements in office & related settings.

3rd dose – 52.2 per cent. Steadily increasing. Appointments available.

Schools and early childhood

The Burnett Institute have calculated that with 75 per cent compliance to the end of term one, the state will avoid 61,000 cases in students, 150,000 cases in the community 400 hospital admissions. Therefore continuing to do surveillance testing twice each week. Air purifiers also rolled out. Advised that need to do more in lead up to winter, when windows will be closed. Further 60,000 purifiers to government and low fee schools.