From 11.59pm tonight Victoria will largely return to pre-lockdown restrictions (the COVID Normal/Black Rock cluster settings) with some nuances, which means:

• Fifty per cent of public and private office workers can return
• Masks will be required inside, including for personal and beauty services
• Five people will be permitted in your home and 20 people can gather outside in a public place
• Indoor theatres and entertainment venues can operate at 50 per cent capacity up to 300 people

The Premier indicated that targeted financial support is on the way for the thousands of businesses severely impacted by the circuit breaker lockdown. We are continuing our discussions with government around what is needed for the industries most adversely impacted including hospitality, events, accommodation, fresh food sellers and florists.

While today’s news is great for most, we know that the indoor mask wearing requirements are going to impact office settings, deterring some employees from returning to the office.

The Chamber looks forward to a further review of restrictions on Friday 26 February, and will continue to work with Government to make sure that our members interests are addressed. If it is safe to do so, we would welcome an increase to 75 per cent of office workers and the easing of restrictions of masks indoors.

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

“Victorian businesses are ready to sprint out of this circuit breaker lockdown and get back to where we were a week ago. We’ve got this Victoria, we’ve done it before and we can do it again!

“The Victorian Chamber is advocating for an end date for the indoor mask wearing requirements, particularly for office and beauty settings. Experience shows that, even though fifty per cent of office workers can return, we won’t get to that target until employees can take their masks off at their desk.

“Lockdown 3.0 has knocked business confidence and we can get that back if the State Government gives us greater clarity on how the decisions to go into lockdown are made; what is the trigger and what are the guidelines?

“Victorian businesses have borne the brunt of the failures in the hotel quarantine and contact tracing systems and it’s now up to the State Government to give us everything we need to restore that confidence so that Victoria is once again the best place in Victoria to own, operate and work in a business. We need to put our economy first and find ways to manage our borders that doesn’t compromise our economy and our livelihoods.

"With Labour Day weekend just two and a half weeks away and Easter just six weeks away, we urge all Victorians to get out there and support as many businesses as you can: if you’re in a position to do so, dine out, get takeaway, buy gifts, book a mini break or experience. It all counts.”

Media contacts:

• Chanelle Pearson, 0423 883 945
• Ellana Katos 0400 976 889

media@victorianchamber.com.au