It’s been a big week of announcements for Geelong and The Bellarine, with news the Victorian Government is in discussions to potentially host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria, and today, the changes announced to density limits, QR check-in requirements, dancefloors and international travellers.
As hospitalisation numbers steady and community transmission continues to decrease, the Victorian Government has today announced new pandemic orders that will come into effect from 6:00pm Friday 18 February 2022.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of 6:00pm tomorrow (Friday 18 February):
- Density quotients of one person per two square metres in place at hospitality and entertainment venues will be removed;
- Indoor dancefloors at these venues can re-open;
- QR code check-in requirements will no longer be in place at retail venues, schools (including childcare and early childhood) and for employees at many workplaces;
- QR code check-in and vaccination check requirements will still be required for all other businesses where vaccination is required for entry, such as hospitality and entertainment venues (check yours here);
- International arrivals will no longer be required to obtain an international arrivals permit through Service Victoria; and
- The 14-day hotel quarantine period for international visitors and aircrew who aren’t fully vaccinated or medically exempt will reduce to 7 days.
These changes add to recent announcements from the Australian Government, ATAGI and National Cabinet that:
- Fully-vaccinated (two doses) travellers can return to Australia from Monday 21 February;
- Unvaccinated travellers must apply for an exemption and, if successful, will be subject to state required hotel quarantine;
- ATAGI has updated their clinical advice to include that all individuals aged 16 years and over are recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to maintain an ‘up-to-date’ status, rather than a fully vaccinated status; and
- People entering Australia will not be required to have had a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and will be considered fully vaccinated with two doses of a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved or recognised vaccine.
Discussions are also underway with various levels of government and the industry to enable the return of cruising over the coming months.
Further announcements are expected next week regarding mask requirements and the return to offices.
You can read the full statement from the Victorian Government here and watch the press conference in full here.
For specific clarification on any of these requirements, the Business Victoria hotline is available on 13 22 15.
We’ve all been waiting for our industry to be able to take these next steps, which will be important ones to make as our region starts its recovery.
COVID-19 Useful Links
- Information for industry and workers required to be vaccinated – Scroll to ‘What information should be recorded by employers?” there’s a useful template.
- COVID information for visitors – Barwon Health has made a poster with local information on testing and vaccination bookings for visitors over the holiday season.
- Current CovidSafe settings – Find information on our current settings.
- Current business support – Tip: The FAQ section for each grant is really helpful.
- Victorian COVID-19 Data – Daily data updates on COVID-19.
- Booking a vaccination.
- COVID-19 signs posters and templates for your workplace
- Mental health resources – Specific for: Small business owners, families, media and carers to help maintain wellbeing.
