Victoria’s COVID mask regulation revisions will keep them in retail settings, according to the health minister

On Wednesday, Victoria’s Health Minister Martin Foley stated that masks would continue to be used in indoor retail environments and other high-risk areas.

From Thursday, they will no longer be required to be worn at weddings, funerals, or other ceremonial occasions.

Foley also announced adjustments to vaccination status, stating that beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, the required vaccine requirement would be lifted for all consumers in retail, with the exception of hair and beauty services.

It will also be removed from real estate settings, weddings, and funerals unless the events are performed in a hospitality context where vaccination restrictions apply.

Restaurants, cafés, and bars are still only available to properly vaccinated customers, and employees are required to wear masks.

Mask regulations were previously scheduled to be phased out of retail settings on December 15 if hospitalizations remained steady, in accordance with the adjustments implemented in New South Wales.

However, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has said that more research regarding the Omicron variety is required before considering any adjustments to mask wearing.

Another modification to COVID-19 standards is that workplaces will no longer be required to thoroughly clean after being exposed to a positive case.

COVID safe plans will still be required, however, gyms, tour and transportation companies, and theatres will no longer be required to clean equipment between usage.

COVID cases from Wednesday

Victoria registered 1405 new COVID cases between midnight on Tuesday and midnight on Wednesday, the state’s highest rise in a fortnight.

Three additional people died as a result of the infection.

The number of hospitalizations in the state remains unchanged at 365, with 84 in ICU and 46 on a ventilator.

Victoria has reached its key immunisation target, with 92.1 percent of all persons over the age of 12 being completely vaccinated.

There are presently 10 confirmed cases of Omicron in Victoria.