After more than two and a half years since the Victorian Government declared a state of emergency, the pandemic declaration has come to an end. Here’s everything you need to know moving forward.
Community
Victoria's COVID-19 roadmap announced
With a surge in COVID-19 case numbers, new rules have been introduced for close contacts, along with the reinstatement for the requirement to wear masks indoors.
Following a ntional cabinet meeting on December 30, the definition of a 'close contact' has changed, and subsequently, changed the requirement to isolate and undergo a PCR or Rapid Antigen Test.
Under the new rules, only a household or ‘household-like’ contact who has spent more than four hours with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19, will need to be tested. Check out our guide to Victoria’s latest COVID-19 rules and restrictions for more details.
Ahead of the Christmas period, as case numbers grew significantly, the Victorian Government reintroduced the requirement to wear face masks:
- In all indoor settings outside of the home for people over 8 years of age
- At events with more than 30,000 people when not seated
Masks will continue to be required in high-risk settings such as hospitals, public transport and aged care facilities.
The following guidelines are as presented in the Victorian Government's roadmap, outlined on coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Victoria's current COVID-19 restrictions
| Victoria's COVID-19 rules and restrictions | |
|---|---|
|
Leaving home |
No restrictions |
|
Masks |
Masks required: - in all indoor settings outside of the home for people aged 8 years and over - at all events with an attendance over 30,000. You may remove your mask when seated. |
|
Travel |
No restrictions on intrastate or interstate travel. Entry permits required on return to Victoria. Check COVID restrictions for your destination International travel in alignment with National Plan |
|
Private gatherings |
No limit |
|
Public gatherings |
No limit |
|
Hospitality |
No restrictions, vaccination requirements remain Vaccination requirements do not apply for takeaway-only venues. |
|
Weddings |
No restrictions for fully vaccinated people. If vaccination status is not being checked, events are restricted to 50 people per venue, with density limits of 1 per 4sqm. |
|
Funerals |
No restrictions for fully vaccinated people. If vaccination status is not being checked, events are restricted to 50 people per venue, with density limits of 1 per 4sqm. |
|
Schools & Childcare |
Open to all ages. Masks required indoors at primary school for staff and visitors, and all students in years 3 and above |
|
Workplaces |
Some restrictions apply depending on workplace and industry. Vaccination requirements remain for certain businesses that are only open for fully vaccinated people, or for workers who are required to be vaccinated COVIDSafe plans and check-in requirements apply |
|
Retail |
Masks required. Vaccination requirements remain for non-essential retail. |
|
Beauty therapy |
No restrictions, vaccination requirements remain |
|
Religious gatherings |
No restrictions for fully vaccinated people. If vaccination status is not being checked, events are restricted to 50 people per venue, with density limits of 1 per 4sqm. |
|
Sport & Outdoor |
No restrictions, vaccination requirements remain |
|
Entertainment |
No restrictions, vaccination requirements remain Outdoor events with more than 30,000 people attending require a COVIDSafe plan. |
|
Hospitals & care facilities |
Restrictions for high-risk settings remain, even for fully vaccinated persons. Aged care: Visitors limited to five people per day, including dependents. Hospitals: Visits limitied to certain circumstances such as end-of-life. |
|
Real estate |
No restrictions, vaccination requirements remain Limitied to single household private inspections if vaccination status isn't being checked |
