The state government has announced changes to its COVID-19 restrictions ahead of Christmas, particularly surrounding retail settings.
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Health Minister Martin Foley said the new public health orders were essential for "maintaining the pillars of our vaccinated economy".
Vaccine mandates and rules
Shoppers will no longer need to prove they are vaccinated to visit non-essential retail outlets, places of worship, weddings and funerals and real estate inspections and auctions.
Victorians aged under 18 will also no longer need to show proof of vaccination.
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However, hair and beauty customers must still be fully vaccinated, as do all patrons of restaurants, bars and cafes.
All Victorians who are eligible for a booster five months after their second shot are urged to book an appointment as soon as possible - especially those at higher risk of contracting the virus, such as healthcare workers.
Parents are also encouraged to get their kids vaccinated when the rollout for five to 11-year-olds begins on January 10, 2022.
Mask and other changes
Mask mandates will also continue in all retail settings and for hospitality workers, but will not be required at weddings and funerals.
Workplaces exposed to a positive coronavirus case will no longer need to be deep cleaned, after mounting international evidence that coronavirus is an airborne or droplet-borne disease and the likelihood of becoming infected by touching a surface is very low risk.
In addition, tour and transport operators, gyms and creative arts premises such as theatres and cinemas will not need to clean equipment between uses. Workplaces will still need to maintain CovidSafe plans.
Elective surgery rules are also being updated, with rural and regional health services able to resume up to 75 per cent of normal elective surgery activity.
The changes, part of new pandemic orders signed by Health Minister Martin Foley on Wednesday, will remain in place until January 12.
"These measures strike a balance between the risk of community transmission, and the protection that comes from being one of the most vaccinated jurisdictions in the world," he said.
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