Premier dethrones Covid from pandemic status in Victoria

One Premier has announced an end to his state’s pandemic declaration, signalling changes in isolation and testing mandates.

Covid-19 will soon lose its “pandemic” status in Victoria, with the state government announcing the pandemic declaration will end on Wednesday.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the decision in a press release on Friday afternoon.

“Victorians have done an amazing job over the last three years and this new framework will give people the choice to do what is right for them and their community following the unanimous decision taken at the national cabinet,” Mr Andrews said.

“We’re making sure there are still requirements in place to protect our dedicated healthcare workers and vulnerable Victorians in high-risk settings like aged care, disability settings and hospitals.”

Victorians will no longer be required to isolate if testing positive to Covid after the declaration ends from 11.59pm on October 12, but a “strong recommendation” to consider isolation will still be in place.

Strong recommendations to isolate for people who test positive to Covid-19 will remain in place.

Requirements for close contacts to continually test negative on a rapid antigen test will also become strong recommendations, joining the ongoing strong recommendation to wear a mask indoors.

Targeted financial support will continue for eligible healthcare workers, including in Aboriginal, hospital, aged care and disability care work, such as workers providing in-home care.

This financial assistance will continue to support such workers to isolate if they test positive to Covid, in turn protecting their patients.

Earlier the government reinforced its stance on vaccine mandates remaining in place for tens of thousands of Victorians even after the declaration ends.

The government decided to finally end the declaration, with Victoria being under a state of emergency since March 2020.