WAG welcomes back more people in vaccinated economy trial

The Warrnambool Art Gallery (WAG) has welcomed its first visitors as part of the Victorian Government’s “vaccinated economy” trial.

The WAG is one of four businesses in Warrnambool taking part in the trial which includes 14 businesses or events across six municipalities.

The trial allows businesses whose staff are vaccinated to test vaccine certification technology and to fine-tune training for staff and support for business owners and public communication of vaccine requirements.

Victorians attending a business or event will be asked to show they are fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 digital certificate displayed through the latest version of the Service Victoria app, Medicare app, or equivalent smartphone wallet, or present a printed version of their certificate or immunisation history statement, or provide evidence of a valid exemption.

Victorians can add their COVID-19 digital certificate to the Service Victoria app through MyGov or the Express Medicare Plus App.

In addition to the WAG the other Warrnambool business involved in the trial include Darlings of Beauty, Roberts One Real Estate and the Warrnambool Racing Club (race meeting).

“It’s great to have people and groups returning to the WAG,” Warrnambool Mayor Cr Vicki Jellie said.

“The increase in the visitor cap from 10 to 30 per space suddenly opens up many possibilities including educational tours, small bus tours, seniors groups and so on.

“It’s an important step and if the trial is successful, which we expect it will be, then other businesses and facilities can also move towards these settings later this month.”

WAG Director Vanessa Gerrans said she was excited that the WAG was given an opportunity to operate under eased restrictions a fortnight ahead of the wider rollout of next stage of the roadmap to recovery.

“It is wonderful to have art galleries recognised as an important part of the economy,” Ms Gerrans said.

“The WAG is a culturally safe space and galleries generally play an important role in the health and wellbeing of a community.”

This trial has begun about two weeks before Victoria reaches the 70 per cent double dose vaccination threshold when significant parts of the economy will reopen to those who are fully vaccinated.

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