BENDIGO is expected to reach the 80 per cent double-vaccinated milestone by the last week of October, well in time for an expected and much anticipated easing of restrictions.
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Bendigo Health says it based the projection on federal government data published on Tuesday.
The ongoing surge in vaccinations would still give the state government time to trial increased patron caps for double-vaccinated patrons, even if it eases key restrictions before expected on 5 November.
It wants to launch the trials at venues and events in multiple areas including Bendigo from October 11.
The government is yet to confirm key details about the trials including which Bendigo businesses or events might be involved.
But there are no details on what will change for businesses that will participate in the trial, according to Australian Hotels Association Victoria president Dave Canny.
"Our understanding is it's very grey at the moment - it's an announcement with no detail," he said.
"If it's the (80 per cent vaccine target) model, let venues that want to be in the trial be part of it, but it doesn't appear that'll be the case, it's a very limited number of venues."
Mr Canny also attacked the density limits on licensed venues, which are set to remain at 10 people inside until the 70 per cent double-jabbed target is hit, and will then expand to 30 double-jabbed people inside.
That won't be until late October, according to the state's roadmap, and Mr Canny said there needed to be concessions.
"If you're going to be part of the trial, you need the capacity to be able to trade," he said.
"If the rules are ridiculous, then maybe they won't want to be part of it. We're ready to roll - if it's going to be a part of the reopening, capacity to trade has got to be part of the deal."
Bendigo Health will not be involved in the trials but chairman Bob Cameron said it was clear the area was selected because of its low cases and high vaccination rates.
"Next week, the Bendigo region is going to be at 90 per cent for first-dose vaccinations. That is fantastic news," he said.
So far, 57.9 per cent of people had been double vaccinated in a region encompassing Greater Bendigo, the Mount Alexander and Loddon shires and parts of the Macedon Ranges, according to new federal government figures.
Businesses like Qantas are preparing to ramp up services from November 5, including on the Bendigo to Sydney route.
Mr Cameron expects strong demand for vaccination to continue until 90 per cent of people in the Bendigo region had received two jabs.
Progress would likely slow to a dribble from that point onwards.
Mr Cameron said the lesson from the United Kingdom was that the last eight or 10 per cent of unvaccinated people would be harder to entice in for jabs.
"There'll be some people who just don't want it, but there's probably not many of those," he said.
"There are people who are indifferent and sometimes it's hard to get some groups. It's really about trying to get them individually."
Mr Cameron said those people might be motivated to get vaccinated after conversations with friends and loved ones, which made conversations about the jab all the more important.
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