The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrates today’s announcement by Premier Daniel Andrews that as of 11.59pm tonight, most restrictions will lift in Victoria as we move closer to hitting the 90 per cent vaccination milestone.

The most significant changes include:

• Removal of density limits and patron caps for hospitality settings
• No limit of visitors to the home
• Masks only required in high-risk settings: primary school staff and visitors and for students in Years three to six, workers in public-facing roles in hospitality and indoor retail, visitors and select workers in hospitals or care facilities and for people using public transport and rideshare services or shopping
• Events with fewer than 30,000 attendees can go ahead without going through a dedicated COVID-19 process
• Dance floors are allowed.

The Premier also stated that, unless our health services see a significant jump in hospitalisations, retail customers will no longer need to wear masks after 15 December.

The Government also announced significant changes to quarantine obligations for those who are double-vaccinated. The majority of people who come in contact with a confirmed positive case outside their home won’t be required to self-quarantine – they will be required to take a standard PCR test and isolate until they get a negative result.

These changes mean that venues will not be automatically required to enforce quarantine periods for patrons or staff if they are visited by a positive contact. Mandatory deep cleaning and the departmental clearance process of exposure sites will also be removed.

Children under 12 will be considered fully vaccinated if the remainder of their household is fully vaccinated, and additionally, people who contract COVID-19 will be required to isolate for 10 days, instead of 14 days.

The Victorian Chamber has long been publicly advocating for the changes that were announced today and is pleased that the State Government has adhered to this level of easing of restrictions.

To be attributed to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra:

“Open up your purses and wallets, gather your family and friends. It’s time to get out and enjoy our state again. Today’s announcement signals the return of Victoria and the changes to COVID-19 restrictions will set up our economy and State to come roaring back.

“The Victorian Chamber has fought hard on behalf of our members and businesses for this easing of restrictions which will be a game-changer as we continue to ease into summer and the festive season; peak time for so many businesses that are ready to make the most of these fabulous new conditions.

“The changes to isolation requirements and quarantine periods are a game-changer which will make it easier for businesses to stay open and their staff to stay at work.

“Getting masks off in offices will help drive the return of office workers and be key to seeing our CBDs and high streets bustling with life. The next step will be removing masks from all retail and hospitality settings for staff, but we aren’t far from this goal.

“Get to the shops; get to the office, get to an event; get to the theatre; get to a café; get to a restaurant; get to your holiday location. It’s time to get going.

“We thank the State for listening and bringing forward these settings. We once again lead the country, and we will now roar back.”