Victorians today have been rewarded with further easing of restrictions from 11.59pm on Thursday as the state reaches the 70 per cent double vaccinated rate, with further easing expected shortly after as we power towards the 80 per cent double vaccinated target.
The State Government today announced additional freedoms in the Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan for both Metropolitan and Regional Victoria, although we will have to wait until we hit 80 per cent for the state to unite once again.
From 11.59pm on Thursday, the changes for Metropolitan Victoria include the travel limit being scrapped, 10 visitors permitted at home, students returning to school at least part time, up to 50 people outdoors and 20 people indoors for hospitality, weddings and funerals, cinemas and pools. There was no additional relief for retail or gyms.
From 11.59pm on Thursday, the changes for Regional Victoria include a density cap increase from 10 to 30 for indoor settings like hospitality and gyms and students can go back full time.
The Premier signalled the Roadmap will be delivered as planned when the double vaccinated rate hits 80 per cent, currently predicted a few days before Melbourne Cup Day.
To be attributed to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra:
“We welcome the additional weekend of trade and we welcome the additional easing particularly around hospitality but we are short of where NSW is at and we need to close that gap quickly.
“The Victorian Chamber didn’t get everything we wanted, but it’s better than what we were expecting. There’s some good news for hospitality with indoor dining brought forward and parents will be delighted that students can return to on-site learning, at least part-time.
“We continue to ask for clarification on the isolation requirements and Tier One and Two classification of businesses in the event of a COVID-19 exposure after we hit 80 per cent. It’s not viable to continue shutting businesses down for long periods.
“Victorians have heeded the call to get vaccinated and today’s announcement recognises that effort with additional easing of restrictions. Importantly, the changes will allow some businesses to open and others to trade at higher and more sustainable levels.
“We look forward to continuing to smash the vaccination targets so all businesses can be open ahead of the Melbourne Cup weekend. We continue to encourage all Victorians to get out and get vaccinated, it will decrease pressure on our hospital system and give greater certainty for businesses.”
