By Parker McKenzie
The Victorian State Government has announced an end to most Covid-19 restrictions from 11.59pm Friday 22 April, but one local business owner has said the changes are “too little, too late.”
Venues won’t be required to check vaccination status, masks will no longer be required in primary school and early childhood learning centres, hospitality and retail spaces, events with over 30,000 people will no longer require public health pre-approval and close contacts will no longer be required to quarantine provided they wear a mask indoors and avoid sensitive settings like hospitals.
Check-ins and Covid marshals will no longer be required, international travellers who are symptom-free won’t be required to get a PCR test or RAT upon arrival and people who have caught Covid-19 will be exempt from testing or quarantine for 12 weeks.
Minister for Health Martin Foley said now is the right time to set aside the vaccinated economy and focus on the highest risk settings.
“This sensible easing of restrictions is only possible because we are one of the most vaccinated societies in the world, with almost 70 per cent of Victorian adults already armed with their third dose,” he said.
“The vaccinated economy kept Victorians safe and businesses open during an unpredictable time when we saw our highest case numbers ever.”
The seven-day isolation period for people with Covid-19 remains and workers in essential work is still required to be vaccinated.
Gembrook Independent owner Mauro Callegari said while the changes for hospitality businesses are welcome, many local small businesses are still doing it tough.
“I don’t think the government has any idea of the damage they have done to small businesses,” he said.
“I know a few that have lost what they had, and I know a lot of other ones that are on the verge of losing everything.”
Mr Callegari said businesses are also still required to jump through hoops and justify why they can’t hire an Australian for positions when looking to hire staff from overseas, despite widespread staff shortages in different industries.
“We are trying to bring a chef to work in here because we are so short-staffed, we are even considering closing another day,” he said.
“Everyone is saying we need staff. The plumber, the electrician, the window cleaner, every single person is looking for staff. We can bring someone that wants to work from overseas, but we have to explain in detail why we cannot employ an Australian. It’s a low blow.”
Masks are still required on public transport and at airports and in certain health, aged care and justice settings. All workplaces are still required to have a CovidSAFE plan.
The State Government recommends people who are a close contact with a positive Covid-19 case work from home if able and masks are recommended when you can’t physically distance.
More information on the changes can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au
