Covid-19 restrictions Dan Andrews won’t ease at 80 per cent vaccinated

Victoria’s road map out of lockdown has been met with fury by businesses who are angry it is different from NSW.

Victoria’s much anticipated road map to freedom out of Covid-19 lockdown has been met with fury by businesses over “roadblocks” and stricter rules than NSW.

Premier Daniel Andrews said that once 70 per cent of the population was fully vaccinated, likely to be around October 26, the double jabbed would have more freedoms.

Once Victoria hits 80 per cent of people aged 16 and older fully vaccinated – predicted to be around November 5 – most of the remaining restrictions will be eased in line with density limits.

Victorian businesses have been “left shattered” by the reopening plan, with many required to stay closed until the state hits the 80 per cent double dose target.

It will be a slow road out in Victoria for retailers. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Ascui

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce has been advocating for a “balanced and practical” road map reflective of the national cabinet plan and Doherty Institute modelling, similar to that of the road map of NSW.

But chief executive Paul Guerra said all Victorian businesses got out of the announcement was “roadblocks”.

“Victorians deserve answers as to why Victoria’s health advice and road map is so different to NSW,” he said.

“It is extremely tough to look over the border and see our NSW neighbours get back to relatively normal life while we continue to be locked down in a holding pattern.

“Business has been in crisis for the last 20 months, Sunday’s announcement further intensifies that crisis and many businesses will not make it through.”

Paul Guerra, CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce, slammed the slow road map to reopening. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Mr Guerra urged the state government to commit to additional financial support to businesses that “remain in limbo”.

Once 70 per cent of the Victorian population aged 16 and older is double jabbed hospitality businesses can open for outside trade only with a density limit of 50 fully vaccinated people.

At 80 per cent, hospitality venues will be able to open for 150 vaccinated people inside and 500 outside for seated service only.

Shopping strips will be open for outside trade only at 70 per cent vaccinated, with all retail to open at 80 per cent.

In NSW, hospitality venues can open only for fully vaccinated patrons at the state’s 70 per cent target, subject to the 4sqm density limit indoors and 2sqm outdoors. Standing drinking will be permitted outside.

Retails stores can also reopen under the 4sq m rule.

When asked about the difference in the road maps on Monday, Mr Andrews said Victoria was in a “very different position” to NSW.

Seated hospitality service will reopen in Victoria at 80 per cent double vaccinated. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“You can compare us with other parts of the world, with Sydney, that’s fine,” he said.

“People are free to do that. But I’m not free to ignore the advice that I get.

“This is not everything that people want when they want it, but it’s not possible for us to go faster than that at this time.”

There are some rules that Mr Andrews said must remain in place even after 80 per cent of Victorians are double vaxxed in order to “preserve our health system and ensure Victorians can still get the healthcare they need”.

The Premier said there was no alternative to the slow and staged opening up plan and flagged the “acute stress” it would place on the health system if done too quickly.

“While we’re no longer aiming for Covid zero, it’s imperative we don’t jeopardise our health system as we open up – too many Victorians rely on it every day,” the Premier said.

At 80 per cent fully vaccinated, Victorians will still be required to wear masks indoors at all times, including at work.

Private gatherings at home will be permitted but limited to 10 people only, including children. This limit will increase to 30 visitors to the home for Christmas.

Public gatherings will be allowed for up to 30 fully vaccinated people, but only five for those who aren’t.

Only those who are fully vaccinated will be able to go to work, with Victorians still encouraged to work from home if they can.

The same applies for non-practical adult education with only those with two doses of the vaccine allowed on campus.

Those who aren’t vaccinated will be unable to attend religious services indoors, and must practice their faith outdoors, in groups capped at 20.

Hospitality food and drink businesses, karaoke venues and nightclubs will only be able to operate seated service.

Food courts will remain closed with takeaway only allowed, and customers will not be allowed to remove their masks indoors to consume food or drinks.

Melburnians line up to get their Covid vaccinations at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Weddings and funerals will be capped at 150 people indoors and 500 outdoors for those where all guests are double jabbed, while unvaccinated funerals will be limited to 20 people and weddings 10.

Holidays will also have to occur in a “bubble”, where households nominate another to go on vacation with.

There are now 5262 active cases in Victoria.