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The Victorian government has just announced that mask restrictions will be easing. The changes to mask mandates come as the state recorded a daily total of 6,786 new cases on February 22. However, despite the relatively high numbers of new cases, vaccination efforts continue to gain momentum in Victoria, with just under 56 per cent of eligible Victorians having received three doses of a vaccine at the time of publication.
From 11.59pm Friday, February 25, Victorian's will only be required to wear masks in certain indoor settings such as on public transport and in hospitals and primary schools. While workers in hospitality and retail venues will still need to mask up, patrons will not. Workers at indoor events of 30,000 people or over will still be required to wear a mask.
In addition to the relaxation of mask rules, the public health recommendation for people to work or study from home will also be lifted – meaning IRL work and study is back.
Premier Daniel Andrews explained that the reduction in restrictions has been on the table since last week's announcement of the removal of density limits in public venues and reopening of dancefloors, but that the chief health officer, Brett Sutton, had been finalising his public advice.
"It wasn't that his advice has changed one week to the other, it's that he was doing it, as you would hope, I think everyone would hope, in a logical, sequential way," said Andrews.
For more information on Covid-19 rules and restrictions in Victoria, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.