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Coronavirus: Victoria ditches density limits, QR codes in rules overhaul

The restrictions will end on Friday but Victorians will still be required to wear masks indoors in the overhaul of Covid rules.

Daniel Andrews is rolling back Covid-19 restrictions. Picture: Aaron Francis/Newswire
Daniel Andrews is rolling back Covid-19 restrictions. Picture: Aaron Francis/Newswire

Density limits in Victoria hospitality venues and QR code check-ins at retail shops and schools will be dumped from Friday, but Victorians will still be required to wear masks indoors in an overhaul of Covid restrictions announced by the Andrews government on Thursday.

However, Daniel Andrews has foreshadowed the possible lifting of mask requirements, alongside incentives for workers to return to the office from Friday next week.

“With hospitalisation numbers and community transmission decreasing and more than half of Victorians aged over 16 now vaccinated with three doses, a number of commonsense restrictions and recommendations in place during the state’s Omicron surge can be safely eased,” the Victorian Premier said.

From 6pm on Friday, February 18, density quotients of one person per two square metres in place at hospitality and entertainment venues will be removed, and indoor dancefloors at these venues can reopen.

QR-code check-in requirements will no longer be in place at retail venues, schools (including childcare and early childhood), and for employees in many workplaces.

Check-ins will still be mandated at “vaccinated economy” venues, such as cafes and restaurants, where proof of double vaccination is required.

Read related topics:Coronavirus
Rachel Baxendale
Rachel BaxendaleVictorian Political Reporter

Rachel Baxendale writes on state and federal politics from The Australian's Melbourne and Victorian press gallery bureaux. During her time working for the paper in the Canberra press gallery she covered the 2016 federal election, the citizenship saga, Barnaby Joyce's resignation as Deputy Prime Minister and the 2018 Liberal leadership spill which saw Scott Morrison replace Malcolm Turnbull as prime minister. Rachel grew up in regional Victoria and began her career in The Australian's Melbourne bureau in 2012.

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/coronavirus-victoria-ditches-density-limits-qr-codes-in-rules-overhaul/news-story/3103d7edbe0b1e454e0b11cec5087f78