The Victorian Government has announced a number of changes to public health recommendations, including the removal of masks in most indoor settings. The changes to the mask rules in Victoria, and other recommendations, will come into place at 11:59pm on Friday February 25.
From 11.59pm on Friday, masks can come off in most indoor settings, and the recommendation to work from home will go.
You'll still need to wear a mask in some workplaces, rideshares, public transport, hospitals, and a few other circumstances.
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) February 21, 2022
Mask rules across Victoria to ease this week
These changes will come into effect as hospital rates decline and the number of people receiving a third vaccine dose increases. Today, 55.9 per cent of eligible Victorians over 18 received their third dose.
“Victorians have done such a great job getting vaccinated, so we’re able to take safe steps to get more people to return to the office,” said Minister for Health Martin Foley. “We’re balancing the need to support our health system with the benefits of easing restrictions in a careful and sensible way.”
Masks will only be required indoors under certain circumstances, unless an exemption applies. You must were a mask:
- On public transport, in taxis and rideshare, on planes and indoors at an airport
- When working in hospitality, retail and the court system
- While visiting or working in a hospital, or indoor areas at care facilities
- When working at justice and correctional facilities
- When working at early childhood centres and primary schools. Students in Year 3 or above must also wear masks in primary school. Masks will not be required in high school.
- When working indoors at an event with over 30, 000 people attending
- In special circumstances, such as if you have COVID-19, or if you are a close contact and leaving home
Meanwhile, masks are recommended if you are a worker serving or facing members of the public, such as at reception or meeting guests.
Other changes
The public health recommendation that you work or study from home will be removed.
Public hospitals will be able to resume all surgery. Capacity will be based on staff availability and COVID demands. Meanwhile, private hospitals will be able to resume up to 100 per cent of their activity before COVID. Any remaining restrictions on elective surgery will lift on Monday February 28.
The third dose deadline for workers in certain industries will be extended. Workers in education who had two doses before October 25 will have their third dose deadline extended until March 25.
For the full details, click here.