For our free coronavirus pandemic coverage, learn more here.

Victoria recorded 5874 new COVID-19 cases and 15 deaths on Saturday, as some restrictions on mask wearing and mandates to work from home were scrapped overnight.

There are now 281 people in hospital with the virus in Victoria, with 5 on ventilators and 43 in intensive care.

Masks off: Restrictions around mask-wearing have loosened in VictoriaCredit:Chris Hopkins

Of the new cases reported across the state, 2086 were confirmed by PCR tests, while 3788 were self-reported from rapid antigen tests. More than 17,628 PCR tests results were returned on Friday.

There are now 40,968 active coronavirus cases across the state.

COVID-19 restrictions eased in Victoria at 11.59pm on Friday, rescinding the order to work or study from home where possible.

Masks are now only required in certain settings, including on public transport, in ride share vehicles, in hospitals and indoor areas at care facilities. Those employed in hospitality, retail, courts, justice and correctional facilities, and at events with more than 30,000 people must still wear masks.

Primary school students from grade 3 to grade 6 and workers at early childhood centres and primary schools are also required to continue wearing masks indoors.

In further changes, restrictions on elective surgery will lift on Monday, with public hospitals able to resume all surgery, with capacity to be based on staff availability.

Health Minister Martin Foley said on Friday that quarantine for COVID-19 close contacts was under “constant review”, with the Victorian and NSW governments asking the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee to reconsider the issue.

But he said the state government had “no plans before it” to change isolation rules, agreeing that it may be too early to see close contact designations scrapped.

“As we see vaccination levels increase and as we see infection levels decrease, then we have more options,” he said.

“One of those options that we’ve asked the experts to look at is the issue around close contacts – particularly asymptomatic close contacts – and what it might mean should you test negative in those circumstances.“

Mr Foley also said there were no immediate plans to expand third vaccine mandates to more industries, but he would not rule it out in the future. COVID-19 vaccine boosters are currently required for workers in healthcare, aged care, disability and emergency services.

“We now are in the really important part of this vaccination programme to deliver high levels of protection for our community over the summer and autumn period, before we get to the potentially risky winter period,” he said.

Almost 94 per cent of Victorians have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 58.1 per cent of the population aged over 18 have received a booster dose. There were 7372 COVID-19 vaccinations administered at state-run sites on Friday.

Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here.

Most Viewed in National

From our partners

Source: Read Full Article