Victoria’s COVID-19 will be extended until 70% of the state have had at least one dose of vaccine, Premier Daniel Andrews announced today.
“Throughout this pandemic we’ve always followed the health advice. Today is no different,” Mr Andrews said.
“Due to the ongoing level of community transmission and the continued number of unlinked cases popping up across the state, Victoria’s lockdown will be extended.
“Victorians cannot afford to open up and let this virus run free – our hospital system would be overrun, our frontline staff would be placed under too much pressure and quite simply, people would die. We need to continue to slow the spread of the virus until more of us are vaccinated.
“This is not where we wanted to be as a community, but we need to keep cases low so we can get more people vaccinated.”
“So my message is: if you are over 18 and you want to keep you and your family safe, don’t wait. AstraZenca is available now. Make a booking to get vaccinated.”
He said that last night, “with cases already in triple figures, too many mystery cases and too many people infectious out in the community”, the public health advice changed for the state.
“With the number of positive cases this high, the speed at which this Delta variant is spreading and so many Victorians still to be vaccinated, our Chief Health Office advises it is unlikely we will be able to bring our case numbers down.”
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has declared that almost all of the current lockdown restrictions will remain in place until 70% of Victorians have had at least one dose of vaccine – this is estimated to be around 23 September.
Until then there will still be only five reasons to leave home: shopping for food and supplies, authorised work and study, care and caregiving, exercise, and getting vaccinated. Other restrictions – including mask wearing – will stay the same.
However, from 11.59pm on Thursday 2 September, playgrounds will re-open – with strict rules to keep everyone safe. Playgrounds will be for children under 12 with only one parent or carer, and adults should not remove their masks to eat or drink. Playgrounds will also have QR codes for checking in.
In-home care – like babysitters – will also be expanded to school aged children but only if both parents are authorised workers.
When 70% of Victorians have had at least one vaccine dose we will look to ease restrictions a little further, the Premier said.
“At that point, the 5km radius will expand to 10km – so exercise and shopping can take place up to 10km from your home. If there’s no shops in your 10km radius, you’ll be able to travel to the ones closest to you,” he said.
“Victorians will be able to exercise for an extra hour, for up to three hours per day. Outdoor personal training will be allowed with up to two people plus the trainer. Outdoor communal gym equipment and skateparks will reopen.”
He confirmed that Victoria’s construction workforce will also be able to increase to 50% when 90% of their workers have received at least one vaccine dose, subject to epidemiology at the time.
“While these restrictions are implemented state-wide for now, we will review the epidemiological conditions and subject to public health advice, we will consider easing parts of regional Victoria next week.”
“To ensure our senior students sitting year 12 exams have certainty and are ready for exams, from Tuesday 7 September until Friday 17 September we will put in place a priority vaccination program.”
As part of this program, year 12 students will be given priority booking access at our state-run clinics, as will their teachers and examiners. Students and teachers will need to book an appointment, as walk ups are not available as part of the vaccination blitz.
As we reach the national cabinet threshold of 70% and 80% of people double dose vaccinated in Victoria, we will ease more restrictions at set intervals, as part of the National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response, the Premier said.
“Getting vaccinated has never been more important – it is well and truly our way out of this pandemic. Nearly three weeks ago we announced a goal to administer 1 million doses in five weeks, and so far, we’ve delivered just under 500,000 doses.”
“If you’re yet to be vaccinated, please book your appointment today – either in the state system, or in your general practice or local pharmacy. If have any questions or concerns you can talk to a GP, pharmacist or to a senior and experienced immuniser at our state-run sites.”
The Premier said the best vaccine is the vaccine you can get today.
“While we’re limited on Pfizer appointments because of supply, there are 72,745 Astra Zeneca appointments available across Victoria over the next three weeks.”
“Astra Zeneca is a safe and effective vaccine – and if that’s what’s available, then that’s what you should get.”
Victorians are encouraged where possible to book their vaccination appointment by visiting portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or by phoning the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
