This morning with 120 cases reported which is in triple figures with too many mystery cases and too many people infectious out in the community Premier Daniel Andrews decides to buy as much as time possible.
Premier Andrews says due to the ongoing level of community transmission and the continued number of unlinked cases popping up across the state, Victoria’s lockdown is extended.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has declared that almost all of the current lockdown restrictions will remain in place until 70 per cent of Victorians have had at least one dose of vaccine. This is estimated to be around 23 September.
Until 23rd September 2021 there will still be only five reasons to leave home:
1- Shopping for food and supplies,
2- Authorised work and study,
3- Care and caregiving,
4- Exercise,
5- And getting vaccinated.
Other restrictions – including mask-wearing – will stay the same.
However, from 11.59 pm 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 per cent of Victorians have had at least one vaccine dose Premier will look to ease restrictions a little further.
Premier Daniel Andrews said, “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. AstraZeneca is available now. Make a booking to get vaccinated.”
At 70 per cent vaccination point, the 5km radius will expand to 10km – so exercise and shopping can take place up to 10km from your home. If there are no shops in your 10km radius, you’ll be able to travel to the ones closest to you.
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.
Private inspections of unoccupied premises for a new purchase or end of the lease will be permitted but only one household may attend at a time, with the agent staying outdoors during the inspection.
Victoria’s construction workforce will also be able to increase to 50 per cent when 90 per cent of their workers have received at least one vaccine dose, subject to epidemiology at the time.
Up to five staff will be able to work onsite at entertainment venues to broadcast performances.
Premier Andrews said 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.
For senior students sitting year 12 exams from Tuesday 7 September until Friday 17 September a priority vaccination program will be put in place.
As part of this program, year 12 students will be given priority booking access at 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 this blitz.
Students and teachers will be able to book one of these priority appointments from Monday 6th September. The Department of Health and the Department of Education will work directly with schools, and students and parents will receive advice on how to arrange a booking through their schools.
As Victoria reaches the national cabinet threshold of 70 per cent and 80 per cent of people double dose vaccinated, Premier is inclined to ease more restrictions at set intervals, as part of the National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response.
Getting vaccinated has never been more important – it is well and truly Victoria’s 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,”
said Daniel Andrews
Anyone who is 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 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.
All 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.