As community transmission of COVID-19 continues to reduce throughout Victoria and vaccination coverage increases, the Minister for Health will consider changes to office-based settings from next week and also consider if it is appropriate to remove the recommendation that Victorians work from home.  Easing existing mitigation strategies in office-based settings such as face mask requirements, are under examination for those who have received a third dose of the vaccine and the added protection that it provides.

Meantime from 6pm Friday, 18 February as part of new pandemic orders to be signed by the Minister for Health, density quotients of one person per two square meters in place at hospitality and entertainment venues will be removed. Indoor dance floors at these venues can also re-open.

Under the orders, QR code check-in requirements will no longer be in place at retail venues, schools (including childcare and early childhood) and for employees at many workplaces. QR code check-in and vaccination check requirements will remain in all ‘vaccinated economy’ settings such as hospitality and entertainment venues.