Ash Bolt
Masks requirements will be scrapped in most settings under new rules set to come into effect this week.
On Tuesday morning the state government announced it was further ease COVID-19 restrictions related to masks and workplaces from 11.59pm on Friday, February 25.
Under the new rules, masks will no longer be required in most indoor settings.
They will still be required on public transport, in taxis and rideshares, at airports and on planes and while visiting hospitals or care facilities.
Workers in hospitality, retail, primary schools and early childhood centres and at indoor events with more than 30,000 people will also be required to continue wearing masks at work, as will primary school students from grade three to six.
High school students and staff won’t be required to wear masks in classrooms.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases and close contacts who are isolating but are required to leave home will also have to wear a mask.
Masks will still be recommended for workers who serve or face members of the public.
The recommendation to work from home will also be removed.
Health Minister Martin Foley said the changes were possible as hospitalisation rates declined and booster vaccination rates continued to climb.
“Victorians have done such a great job getting vaccinated, so we’re able to take safe steps to get more people to return to the office,” he said.
“We’re balancing the need to support our health system with the benefits of easing restrictions in a careful and sensible way.”
Mr Foley also announced the remaining restrictions on elective surgery would be lifted on Monday, February 28.
Public hospitals will be able to resume all surgery, with capacity to be based on an individual assessment of staff availability and COVID-19 demands.
Private hospitals will be able to resume up to 100 per cent of pre-COVID activity.
The changes come after the state government eased restrictions around QR codes and scrapped density quotas at hospitality and entertainment venues last Friday.
