Melbourne’s lockdown could end in seven days if vaccine targets are hit early

A frustrating ban on home visits may soon lift, with health authorities told to prepare for Melbourne’s lockdown to end early.

Health authorities have been told to be ready to end Mel­bourne’s lockdown as early as next Thursday, with home visits potentially set to be greenlit ahead of schedule as the state’s double-dose vaccination rate gallops towards 70 per cent.

Victoria’s booming jab rate may have also fast-tracked the return of the home renovations sector, which is now expected to resume once the 70 per cent double vaccination target is hit about October 22.

Chief health officer Brett Sutton said there was “every chance” of restrictions easing earlier than planned.

“We’re on track to reach that 70 per cent mark earlier and that’s a great thing,” he said.

Home visits could return in time for the spring racing carnival. Picture: File Image

Professor Sutton said an announcement could be made on home visits as soon as Friday.

He said the grand final weekend gatherings which caused a spike in cases were different to families visiting each other’s homes.

“We’re acutely aware of home gatherings leading to spikes … that was lots of people gathering in homes, and strangers to those homes.

“It’s different for families - if we think the epidemiology looks okay, we’re absolutely open to that as well.”

Master Builders Victoria CEO Rebecca Casson said she was pleased the Victorian government was considering allowing indoor home renovations to restart at 70 per cent double vaccination instead of 80 per cent.

Annie James and Isabella Eiszele enjoy a beer at Beermash on Smith St. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“Currently under the Victorian government’s roadmap, the renovation sector is not permitted to work until 5 November 2021, subject to vaccination rates and epidemiological data,” she said.

“We feel that’s too long and presents an increased risk to clients being out of pocket due to builder insolvencies.

“They are ready to return to work now and we hope the Victorian government will allow this to happen to further kick-start our economy.”

Senior government sources have told the Herald Sun the lockdown will be dropped almost immediately once the 70 per cent double vaccination rate is achieved.

The Herald Sun has been told health authorities have been asked to have all required paperwork ready to go to ensure a speedy end to lockdown.

Chief health officer Brett Sutton said it was ‘reasonable’ to consider an added step being implemented to the roadmap.

“Next Thursday is where they’re focusing,” a senior source said.

“That’s the first date the target can be hit realistically. The chief health officer has been told to get the orders ready in order to avoid any delays.”

Premier Daniel Andrews on Wednesday said freedoms would almost certainly be implemented immediately after the 70 per cent target was reached.

“Give me a few days and I’ll give you as much clarity as I can about what next week looks like, and the week after that,” he said. “We will have clarity for everyone as soon as we can. Even with that clarity, it will still be dependent on people turning up and getting vaccinated (on) next Monday, next Tuesday, next Wednesday – all the way through.”

Mr Andrews said the plan to reopen could also include a “dark opening” to give businesses a chance to prepare.

“It kind of depends what day of the week the 70 (per cent) happens … although I expect the day after the 70, people will be very, very keen to enjoy all the things they haven’t been able to,” he said.

Mr Andrews said there was no current advice to add more freedoms to the roadmap.