Vic COVID-19 Update: Restrictions ease but disability guidance pending
What you need to know
- Home visitor and venue density limits in Victoria were removed from 11.59pm, Thursday 18 November
- Fully vaccinated close contacts will now need to get a standard PCR test and can return to work when receiving a negative result
- Existing quarantine requirements remain for household contacts who have had more than four hours of contact with a case inside a home, accommodation or care setting
- Disability specific guidance to be released in coming days
Many of Victoria’s restrictions were removed last night as Victoria is set to hit the 90 percent double dose milestone this weekend. This is in line with Victoria’s Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan, outlined in the Table of Restrictions.
Face masks will remain for some people including:
- visitors and select workers in hospitals or care facilities
- primary school staff, visitors and students in Years 3 to 6
- workers in hospitality and high-risk work settings
- everyone in retail settings, public transport, taxi and rideshare vehicles, and aeroplanes.
Vaccination requirements do not apply to essential retail stores (eg supermarkets, post office.)
Proof of vaccination guidelines for people who do not use a digital device or have a medical exemption is detailed at How to get your COVID-19 digital certificate.
Quarantine restrictions eased
Quarantine obligations for close contacts and positive cases have been eased.Changes to quarantine requirements include:
- Providers will no longer need to furlough workers who are close contacts for seven days
- Non-household close contacts will be required to get a PCR test and isolate until they get a negative result
- Providers must identify and notify employees and sub-contractors who were exposed to advise them to get tested
Children under 12 who are household contacts will be considered fully vaccinated if all eligible residents in their household are fully vaccinated. Further details can be found in Diagnosed persons and close contacts directions 34 issued 18 November 2021
Disability services
Disability facilities that are exposure sites will not automatically be designated Tier 1, however, the Department of Health can impose a quarantine period on contacts on a case-by-case basis.Mandatory deep cleaning DoH clearance of exposure sites will end. Facilities will be required to self-manage their exposure in line with public health guidance. COVIDSafe practices are strongly encouraged and a COVIDSafe Plan is still required.
