What Covid limits cut means to Geelong traders

Victorians will be celebrating a Covid normal weekend, with the majority of remaining restrictions eased for fully vaccinated residents.

Victorians will be celebrating a Covid normal weekend, with the majority of remaining restrictions eased for fully vaccinated residents.

Geelong business and hospitality venue owners welcomed Premier Daniel Andrew’s announcement that venues could trade at full capacity from 11.59pm on Thursday.

The 18th Amendment Bar owner Gorge Camorra said he was overcome with emotion, when the announcement was made.

Welcoming back people to Geelong is Gorge Camorra and Bill Votsaris. Picture: Alison Wynd

“It’s amazing, when I heard (it was gong to happen) I was just really emotional,” he said.

“It’s been really tough, the past two years – (now) something has just lifted off over the top of me.

“I am just elated to be honest. We made it, we survived and it’s been so hard.”

Piano Bar owner Andy Pobjoy said he “couldn’t be happier” with the news.

He said the easing of restrictions would ensure planned Christmas and New Year’s events could go ahead.

“I cannot begin to explain what a relief it was. The weight is just off our shoulders,” he said.

Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ben Flynn said it was important news for businesses.

“I hope the removal of masks in offices encourages people to go to work, get back into the CBD,” he said.

“But, more importantly we can have the confidence to get out there, do the Christmas shopping, have our staff Christmas parties and return to being the social hub that makes Geelong so strong.

Mr Andrews announced most rules would be scrapped as the state prepares to hit its 90 per cent full vaccinated target. over the weekend.

Under the changes, density limits will be scrapped for hospitality, concerts and events with double-dosed attendees.

Indoor dance floors are set to be legal for the first time in six months — including at both weddings and nightclubs.

There will be no cap on the number of visitors Victorians can have at their homes.

Big changes are also coming to the state’s isolation requirements with fully-vaccinated contacts.

From midnight, those who come into contact with a positive case will be required to get a PCR test and isolate only until they get a negative result.

DHS will now use an alert function in the Service Victoria app to notify patrons if they’ve visited a high risk venue.

Weddings and funerals can go ahead without density limits for fully vaccinated people.

Vaccination requirements will remain for non-essential retail, events and hospitality across the state, and large events must have an approved Covid-safe plan.

Masks will also remain mandatory in retail settings for at least another month along with other high risk settings including public transport and healthcare settings.

Originally published as What Covid limits cut means to Geelong traders