Changes to Vic’s mask, isolation, jab rules revealed

A suite of changes to mask and isolation rules and vaccine mandates have been unveiled. Here’s what you need to know and when they’ll come into effect.

Masks will still be required on public transport, planes and in rideshare vehicles. Picture: David Geraghty

Covid vaccine mandates for a range of workers will be lifted, but remain for those who work with vulnerable Victorians, in another easing of restrictions.

Health Minister Martin Foley on Saturday confirmed the Herald Sun’s report that mask requirements would be lifted at airports in the state following with advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.

The new rules are part of a suite of changes that will come into effect on June 24.

Third dose mandates will be lifted for workers in education, food distribution, meat and seafood processing and quarantine accommodation.

But they will remain for health workers, emergency services and staff in aged care and disability care.

Rules that require people to work from home if they are not double-dosed will also be lifted now that a significant percentage of the population has been jabbed,

Employers will still be able to set their own rules for vaccine requirements.

Visitor caps will also be removed for aged care and disability centres but guests will still need to test negative on a rapid test on the day.

Third dose mandates will be lifted for workers in education, food distribution, meat and seafood processing and quarantine accommodation. Picture: AFP

If there are no tests available, they can be exempt for end-of-life visits and other valid reasons.

Positive cases must continue to isolate for seven days but will now be able to drive a member of their household to school or work as long as they do not leave their car.

They are also able to leave home for medical care, Covid tests, emergencies and to prevent harm to themselves.

New advice from the chief health officer has detailed some restrictions can be lifted but others should remain until winter is over.

Masks will remain on public transport, rideshare vehicles and on planes.

They will also remain at hospitals and care facilities.

“These orders mean we can keep in place sensible settings to reduce case numbers and hospitalisations through winter, when the risk of transmission is highest, while allowing Victorians to live safely with Covid-19,” Mr Foley said.

“Modest changes to our public health measures will keep Victorians protected as we continue to safely lift mandates and support businesses and individuals to begin to manage their own Covid-19 risk.”