With hospitalisation rates declining and third dose vaccination rates increasing, the Victorian Government moved to end the mandate for masks at workplaces and most other public settings.
“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,” Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said last week.
“We’re balancing the need to support our health system with the benefits of easing restrictions in a careful and sensible way.”
The public health recommendation for Victorians to work or study from home were also removed.
Masks are now only required on public transport, in taxis and rideshares, on planes and indoors at an airport.
People working or visiting hospitals and indoor areas at care facilities still need to use masks, as well as workers in hospitality, retail and the court system.
Students in Year 3 or above at primary school and workers at early childhood centres and primary schools also need to use masks, but they will no longer be necessary in secondary schools.
Masks are still recommended for other workers serving or facing members of the public, such as receptionists and customer service.
The changes follow a further assessment of hospitalisation rates and workforce pressures.
The remaining restrictions on elective surgery lifted on Monday, February 28, and public hospitals are able to resume all surgery.
Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine has also been approved for children aged six to 11 in a smaller dose, as the Federal Government strives to reach vaccination targets.
Moderna was recently provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has advised the vaccine can be used for the younger age group with half the dose.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the national roll-out of the vaccine for six- to 11-year-olds would make things easier for parents.
“We have Moderna in over 4000 points of presence around the country and that will make it very easy for parents,” Mr Hunt said.
It’s the second vaccine to be approved for the age group, with the paediatric dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine also available for kids.
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