New COVID recommendations to start at midnight

THE Victorian government has announced several “public health recommendations” and changes to pandemic orders will come into place at 11.59pm tonight (Tuesday, July 12) in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by more infectious strains of the disease.

The mask mandate has not changed from its existing settings, but mask wearing in indoor and crowded settings is “strongly recommended to protect yourself and our most vulnerable Victorians through winter”.

In line with Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) advice, the period when someone is considered a recently confirmed case (and thus exempt from testing and isolation/quarantine requirements) has been revised to four weeks, down from 12 weeks, which the Victorian government says reflects the emerging evidence that new variants of COVID-19 can evade previous immunity gained from infection.

Positive cases are still required to isolate for seven days from the day they took their test but a new reason to leave home has been added – to provide transport for a household member to obtain food, if essential. The infected person will need to remain in the car and wear a face covering at all times.

Minister for Health Mary-Ann Thomas is also requesting employers consider working from home arrangements that are most appropriate for their workplace and employees based on individual requirements.

Victoria’s public servants will continue with their existing flexible work policy and employers will work with employees on any changes required based on their individual circumstances.

The Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants are now dominant along the east coast of Australia, and the Victorian government said the subvariants were 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 past two weeks. Hospitals are also under pressure from  an increase in respiratory illnesses such as cold and flu.

As a result, the Victorian government will roll out a new public messaging campaign, Stay Well in Winter, across TV, radio, outdoor and digital channels to encourage third and fourth COVID-19 vaccination doses, flu vaccination, the benefits of wearing a mask and maximizing ventilation indoors.

There will also be another round of the Small Business Ventilation Grant Program to help businesses invest in equipment that will keep their workers and customers safe in indoor settings

“As we’re seeing across the globe and around Australia, winter means more time inside where COVID-19 and the flu can spread. It also means our nurses, ambos and doctors have never worked harder, and we can’t thank them enough,” Ms Thomas said.

“We are working with business and community leaders to ensure advice and information is provided to the wider community – to help all Victorians stay well this winter.”

“Wearing a mask, getting up to date with your vaccinations and ensuring indoor areas are well ventilated are small but effective steps Victorians and businesses can take to manage their own COVID-19 risk this winter.”

For more information on the changes and how to stay safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19, head to coronavirus.vic.gov.au