Victorian businesses are today celebrating our state's progression to a COVID Safe Summer, the final step in Victoria's Roadmap to Reopening.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews today announced that our restriction level would accelerate from the Last Step to COVID Safe Summer from 11.59pm tonight (Sunday, 6 December). The Victorian Chamber advocated strongly for the following key changes for business:
- Masks to only be required on public transport and commercial passenger vehicles, and in certain retail/supermarket environments
- Density limits of one person per two square metres with no cap on patrons for restaurants, cafes and pubs, and allowing standing at outdoor venues
- Up to 5000 people for outdoor events that are fenced, ticketed and seated, subject to the one person per two square metres density requirement
- Office workers to return to 50% from early January
- A commitment to review the COVID Safe Summer framework in January when the hotel quarantine system has been tested and proven effective.
Victorians have done so well to get to where we are today and further initiatives like the government's free QR Code for businesses have increased confidence that Victoria can open up fully and operate safely.
COVID Safe principles including physical distancing, good hygiene practices, staying home if you're unwell and wearing a mask in some settings continue to apply. Workplaces must also maintain and enforce their COVID Safe Plans.
To be attributed to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra:
"Victorians have sacrificed so much and worked so hard to ensure we can now enjoy a COVID Safe Summer with confidence and optimism. There's great news today for hospitality and events and the Victorian Chamber is also delighted about the easing of face mask requirements which is a practical progression given there are zero COVID-19 case numbers in the community.
"We got rid of the virus which means we can also get rid of the restrictions and it's now up to all of us to rebuild our great state and make it the best place in Australia to operate a business.
"The Victorian Chamber will be closely monitoring the success of the hotel quarantine system when international flights to Victoria resume tomorrow and we expect to see further easing of restrictions in early January. With news that a vaccine will be available early next year, we are all breathing a sigh of relief that the end of this pandemic is in sight."
