New pandemic orders and advice announced

From 11.59pm tonight the period during which someone is considered a recently confirmed COVID-19 case will change.  As of midnight, anyone exhibiting symptoms four weeks after contracting COVID-19 must test and adhere to isolation and quarantine requirements. Previously those who had contracted COVID-19 were exempt from tests and isolation/quarantine requirements for 12 weeks after being infected. 

The Victorian Government report that these changes are due to emerging evidence that new variants of the virus can evade prior immunity gained from infection. 

Mask wearing in indoor and crowded settings is strongly recommended, but there will not be any changes to current face mask requirements.

The Minister for Health is also requesting that employers consider working from home arrangements.

 The Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, which are now dominant along the east coast of Australia, are expected to continue to cause increases in new cases, reinfections and hospital admissions – with a 53 per cent increase in the number of Victorians in hospital with COVID-19 over the last two weeks.
According to health authorities, there has been an increase in respiratory illnesses like cold and flu which, along with COVID-19, are putting additional pressure on hospitals and healthcare workers across the country.

The Government will also increase messaging with the Stay Well in Winter campaign, which will run across TV, radio, outdoor and digital channels. Another round of the Small Business Ventilation Grant Program to help businesses invest in equipment to keep workers and customers safe in indoor settings has also been announced.