Masks remain in place: latest Covid health update

New pandemic health orders will come into place at 11.59pm tonight, through until January 12, 2022, under the new Public Health and Wellbeing Act.

The government said the new measures will help keep the community safe while the Omicron variant is “monitored and investigated”.

Masks will still need to be worn in retail settings, booster shots will be rolled out and there are changes to vaccination status requirements and deep cleaning protocols.

The vaccine roll out for children aged 5 – 11 years will start on January 10.

Minister for Health Martin Foley said with more than 92 per cent of eligible Victorians double dosed vaccinated, there was the opportunity to enjoy a greater level of freedom across the state.

“These measures strike a balance between the risk of community transmission, and the protection that comes from being one of the most vaccinated jurisdictions in the world. All Victorians are eligible for a booster shot five months after their second dose and are urged to book an appointment as soon as possible. This will keep families safe during the holiday period and help slow the spread of the virus.”

Key changes

• Masks must still be worn in retail settings.
• Anyone under 18 will not have to show proof of vaccination at venues (eg hospitality)
• No mandatory vaccination requirement for customers in retail stores, except hair and beauty services.
• No mandatory vaccination requirement in real estate, places of worship, weddings and funerals.
• Cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs are still only open to fully vaccinated patrons and staff. Staff must wear masks.
• No masks needed at weddings, funerals or ceremonial settings. If these are held at places of worship, no vaccination requirements or limits on numbers. If a ceremony is at a hospitality setting, vaccination requirements will apply.
• Workplaces exposed to a positive case no longer need to be deep cleaned.
• Tour transport operators, gyms and creative arts premises will not need to clean equipment between uses but must maintain CovidSafe plans.
• Regional and rural health services able to resume up to 75 per cent of normal elective surgery.

For the latest information, go to www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au