Australia: Victoria to ease facemask requirements from 23:59 Feb. 25 /update 71

Event

Victoria authorities will ease COVID-19 facemask requirements for people eight years and older from 23:59 Feb. 25. Authorities only require people to wear masks if they are on public transport, indoors at an airport, visiting or working at hospitals, prisons, and aged care facilities, and working at events with more than 30,000 people attending. Officials encourage workers in public-facing roles, such as receptionists, to continue wearing masks. Authorities will also no longer recommend people to work or study from home.

Local Measures
The government has lifted gathering and most capacity restrictions. Officials have lifted capacity limits at hospitality and entertainment venues. Authorities no longer mandate enhanced surveillance testing for some high-risk sectors, and hospital worker 'bubbles', but will continue to recommend or consider them, respectively. Victoria officials permit unvaccinated people to access nonessential retail spaces, places of worship, and weddings and funerals. A vaccination requirement also remains for some personal services, salons, entertainment venues, and hospitality venues. Unvaccinated people must use takeaway and delivery options at restaurants.

The government does not require most businesses to implement the quick response (QR) code check-in system; the measure is ongoing in facilities like hospitality and entertainment venues that limit entry to vaccinated people. Authorities require companies to provide an alternative check-in method for customers without smartphones. Businesses that violate the order face fines of up to AUD 1,652. Indoor and outdoor events can take place up to 30,000 people without permission. Outdoor events with more than 30,000 attendees must publicly publish a COVIDSafe Plan, while indoor events past the threshold must obtain government approval.

Individuals deemed close contacts of COVID-19 cases must take a COVID-19 test and self-quarantine until they receive a negative result. Health staff could also order more stringent quarantine measures on a case-by-case basis. Close contacts that share a household must self-quarantine for seven days, with testing required on the first day and before release. Residents may take a rapid antigen test (RAT) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test if they suspect they have COVID-19; people who test positive may need to self-quarantine for seven days. Authorities decide measures on a case-by-case basis.

Domestic Border Controls
Victoria officials no longer require domestic entrants to apply for Travel Permits before arrival. However, officials may tighten entry restrictions at short notice, especially for people deemed close contracts and individuals who recently visited exposure sites.

Quarantine Requirements
Victoria permits entry for fully vaccinated travelers allowed under Australia's national guidelines. The measure also applies to children 12 years and 2 months old and below and individuals with a medical vaccine exemption. Entrants must take a rapid antigen or PCR COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival and self-quarantine until receiving a negative result. Permitted unvaccinated travelers from all locations must complete a Victorian Quarantine Arrival Form before departure and quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days at their own expense. Current quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 for the first adult and AUD 1,000 for each additional adult or AUD 500 for children above three years old. Unvaccinated international travelers must quarantine for seven days.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel.

Resources

Victoria Government
Victoria COVID-19 Reopening Roadmap
Victoria Department of Health and Human Services
Victoria RAT Self-Reporting Form