Victoria makes major change to mask mandate for indoor settings

Victoria has announced a massive change to mask rules that will affect some Christmas celebrations and the Boxing Day cricket Test.

Masks will be made mandatory in all indoor settings in Victoria, as the state fights to contain a severe spread of the new Omicron variant.

From midnight on Friday, face masks will be required in all indoor settings except for private homes for people over eight years-old, and for major events of more than 30,000.

“Victoria is in one of the strongest positions really of any place around the world to combat this new fast-paced variant,” Deputy Premier James Merlino said.

“That said, we still need to be smart, we still need to protect ourselves and our loved ones from getting sick and ensure our health care workers are not being overwhelmed.”

Acting Premier James Merlino announced the changes on Thursday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

The new rule will force people attending major events, including the Boxing Day cricket Test, to wear masks.

Punters will be allowed to remove face coverings while seated.

Hospitality and retail will be allowed to remain open.

The government has recommended hospitality venues stick to seated service and for dance floors to stay in outdoor, well-ventilated areas.

People are also being told to work from home where possible.

Mr Merlino denied the state would be plunged back into lockdown.

“This is a sensible response which will allow businesses to stay open, bars and restaurants to continue to stay open and major events to go ahead,” he said.

“Masks are a cheap and effective way to maintain the health of the community and it‘s something public health experts have been calling for.”

People drinking indoors at bars and clubs have been recommended to wear masks. Picture: Toby Zerna

Health Minister Martin Foley said the government also recommended people wear masks in crowded bars and nightclubs, although the rule is not mandatory.

The mask rule also doesn’t apply to private homes, even if there is a group of people, Mr Foley said.

“If you are in a domestic setting no, but if you’re at a party at a hospitality venue, we’re asking people to think about keeping safe in different ways,” he said.

“The recommendation is that if you want to be as safe as you can, do not (take your mask off in a crowded bar), but it won't be an order.

“There are so many events already planned - New Year’s, Christmas, etc - and in regards to what is proportionate and what is appropriate, I took the view that it was most appropriate to keep those locked in.

“Having said that, circumstances might well change.”

Masks will soon be mandated inside. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

The government denied a lockdown would be introduced. Photo: Diego Fedele/Getty Images

With the threat of Omicron, the state is pushing to significantly expand its Covid vaccination booster program.

Victoria will aim to deliver up to 300,000 doses a week over the coming months, providing $31.6 million to support the Commonwealth’s booster program.

The massive scale-up will support a significant expansion of state-run vaccination centres, as well as the rapid recruitment and training of new workers.

Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton described the situation as an “immediate and urgent concern.

“We have got an immediate challenge,” Professor Sutton said.

“You have got thousands upon thousands of people who have had two doses, who are not yet boosted, who we know are still at significant risk if they have got pre-existing conditions, if they are very elderly.”

Chief health officer Brett Sutton urged people to use commonsense. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

Victoria recorded 2005 new infections on Thursday, the first time the state has passed more than 2000 cases since October.

Ten more Victorians died following their diagnosis.

There are now 398 infected Victorians in hospital with 72 active in intensive care and 39 on a ventilator.

A total of 85,112 tests were recorded and 17,443 vaccines administered at state hubs.

Victoria last posted more than 2000 cases on October 21, when the state recorded 2104 infections.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison believes wearing a mask should be a personal decision.

Victoria’s Acting Premier, James Merlino masks up. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

“Wear a mask in an indoor setting. You don’t need to be forced to do it,” he said. “There’s no confusion about it, just wear one.

“Think of Christmas Day when you’re going to see elderly relatives, and wear a mask – it’s pretty simple.”

Chief medical officer Paul Kelly has advised state and territory leaders to bring back mask rules.

People queue outside Melbourne Town Hall Covid-19 testing centre on Wednesday.

“Masks should be mandated in all indoor settings including retail, hospitality when not eating or drinking, and entertainment facilities,” he said.

Originally published as Victoria makes major change to mask mandate for indoor settings