New pandemic orders under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act have been signed by the state Health Minister Martin Foley, bringing with it some easing of restrictions for Upper Yarra residents.
People under 18 will no longer be required to show proof of their Covid-19 vaccination status at all venues, such as hospitality and unvaccinated Upper Yarra residents can now shop in non-essential retail.
Real estate and places of worship are also now allowed to welcome unvaccinated people, including at weddings and funerals.
However, if a wedding or funeral is held at a hospitality venue vaccination requirements remain in place as venues must still only serve fully vaccinated patrons.
Health and beauty services are also still closed to people who haven’t been vaccinated.
Health Minister Martin Foley said it comes as more than 92 per cent of eligible Victorians are double dose vaccinated.
“These measures strike a balance between the risk of community transmission, and the protection that comes from being one of the most vaccinated jurisdictions in the world,” he said.
Mr Foley is also urging eligible Victorians to book in for a booster shot.
“All Victorians are eligible for a booster shot five months after their second dose and are urged to book an appointment as soon as possible. This will keep families safe during the holiday period and help slow the spread of the virus.”
Under the new orders, workplaces exposed to a positive case will no longer need to be deep cleaned, after mounting international evidence that coronavirus is an airborne or droplet-borne disease and the likelihood of becoming infected by touching a surface is very low risk.
There’s also a push for parents to sign up to the vaccine rollout for five to 11-year-olds when it begins 10 January 2022.
The orders will be in place until 12 January 2022.
