Masks off and check-ins out

The state government believes the peak of the Omicron wave is subsiding and lifted restrictions at the end of last week.

Even with an influx of visitors over the holidays, local Covid numbers have remained steady for the past fortnight, sitting between 270 and 310.

With almost 70 per cent of adults now armed with their third dose – the government said Victoria will move into winter safely with most restrictions removed.

Some changes to the pandemic orders include:

• Patrons won’t need to have two doses or show proof of vaccination status entering any venue
• Check in requirements will end
• Masks no longer required in primary schools, early childhood, hospitality and retail or events
• Quarantine requirements for close contacts have ceased, however they will need to wear a mask indoors and avoid sensitive settings. They will also need to undertake at least five negative rapid tests over the seven days that would previously have been the self-quarantine period

The government said a number of critical and common-sense settings will be retained, including the essential requirement to isolate for seven days following a COVID-19 diagnosis and existing two-dose and three-dose vaccination mandates for workers.

Visitor restrictions in care facilities will be retained to protect the vulnerable.

Masks will still be required on public transport and at airports and in sensitive health, aged care and justice settings. All workplaces will still require a CovidSafe Plan.

Many rules which are no longer required will be recommended, including working from home if you're a close contact exempt from quarantine. Masks are strongly recommended when you can’t physically distance.

Full details of the latest Covid requirements at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au