With many of the settings imposed due to the Omicron surge, stabilising hospitalisations and increased COVID-19 booster rates have prompted the latest changes that will come into effect at 6pm on Friday, 18 February.

The State Government also stated it is considering winding back office-based rules such as mask requirements, with an announcement possible next week.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said: “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.”

“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.”

QR codes and density limits

Under the latest pandemic orders, QR code check-in requirements will no longer be required at retail venues, schools and childcare, 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.

Density quotients of one person per two square meters in place at hospitality and entertainment venues will be removed and indoor dancefloors at these venues can also resume.

Surveillance testing

Key industries, including meat processing, observing mandatory surveillance testing requirements will now move to a ‘recommended-only’ setting.

Requirements for hospital worker ‘bubbles’ will also be removed, but health services may still implement them at their discretion.

Border and quarantine

International arrivals will no longer be required to obtain an international arrival permit through Services Victoria.

The 14-day hotel quarantine period for international visitors and aircrew who aren’t fully vaccinated or medically exempt will also reduce to seven days.

Office settings considered

As part of the announcement, the government will consider changes to office-based settings from next week, including if it is appropriate to remove the strong recommendation that Victorians work from home.

Other office-based settings, such as face mask requirements, will also be assessed, “with consideration to those who have received a third dose of the vaccine and the added protection that it provides,” according to a government statement.

Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra said the latest update is good news for hospitality operators and nightclubs, but we still need a plan for the return of office workers.

“The many CBD businesses that rely on weekday trade from office workers have been screaming out for a signal of when and how they can return, and they continue to languish while the bills mount up,” Mr Guerra said.

“The Victorian Chamber is encouraging the State Government to urgently remove the ‘strong recommendation’ that people work from home, remove the requirement to wear a mask at your desk and fund a voucher stimulus scheme for weekday hospitality and accommodation to help our city, suburbs and regions to roar back.”

More information

For more information about restrictions currently in place and what resources are available for your business, visit the Victorian Chamber’s COVID-19 resources page here.

You can also read earlier coverage on booster mandates and isolation exemptions here.

As always, the most up-to-date information about restrictions is available on the Victorian Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) website, with the latest details to be published from 6pm on 18 February. For specific information about how restrictions affect your business, visit the Business Victoria website.

If you, as an employer or an employer’s representative, feel unsure about what policies your organisation has in place or would like help in implementing a plan, please do not hesitate to contact the Victorian Chamber’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) team on 03 8662 5196.

Members can also call our Workplace Relations Advice Line on 03 8662 5222 to discuss their employment obligations and any issues that arise.