LOCAL hospitality venues no longer need to worry about the one person per two square meters density limit imposed on January 6, as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease across the state.

From 6pm last night, the State Government eased COVID-19 restrictions as part of new pandemic orders to be signed by the health minister, allowing density quotients in hospitality and entertainment venues to be removed and indoor dancefloors to re-open.

QR code check-in requirements also changed, with locals no longer being required to scan before entering retail venues, schools (including childcare and early childhood) and some workplaces.

However, QR codes will remain in all ‘vaccinated economy’ settings including hospitality and entertainment venues.

Restrictions for international arrivals also eased, as they no longer require an international arrival permit through Service Victoria and the hotel quarantine period for those who are not fully vaccinated or medically exempt was reduced to seven days.

Mandates that previously made essential industries, such as the meat processing industry, complete regular surveillance testing were eased to recommendations that reflect the declining level of community transmission.

Hospital worker ‘bubbles’ were also removed last night, however, the government said they may be implemented again if necessary.

Health minister, Martin Foley said during a press conference on Thursday that when the density quotient restrictions were announced on January 6, the third dose vaccination rate for Victorians aged 16 and over was 12.7 per cent, compared to the current 52.2 per cent.

Mr Foley also said when the dancefloor closure was announced on January 10, 818 Victorians were in hospital with COVID-19, compared to 401 on Thursday.

Last night the government also extended rapid antigen surveillance testing in schools and early childhood settings, announcing they would distribute an extra 24 million rapid antigen tests (RATs) until the end of Term 1.

They also announced 60,000 air purifiers would be provided to government and low-fee non-government schools by June 1.

Education minister, James Merlino said at Thursday’s press conference that the surveillance testing completed in schools helped to prevent thousands of new cases.

“Modelling shows with an assumption of 75 per cent compliance we have prevented 21,000 COVID-19 cases in students,” he said.

“The 2022 school year has kicked off safely and successfully - and we’re supporting that to continue, with more rapid tests, more air purifiers and higher vaccination rates to keep our schools safe and open.”

The testing settings remain the same, with all primary and secondary school students and staff, and early childhood education and care staff, and children aged three to five years old, recommended to test at home twice a week, while students and staff at specialist schools are recommended to test five days a week.

Mr Merlino said continuing the RAT surveillance for the full 10 weeks of Term 1 is expected to prevent more than 61,000 COVID-19 infections in children aged five to 17 years old, more than 150,000 COVID-19 infections in the community (on average 2100 less infections per day), and around 400 hospital admissions.

Eligible kindergarten services will receive a further $3.8 million in grants later this term to support the purchase of air purifiers for learning spaces or other improved ventilation.

The government continued to encourage people to get vaccinated, reminding school and early childhood staff they must receive their third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by February 25, or March 15, for those fully vaccinated after October 25, 2021, to continue working in education settings, unless they have a valid exemption.

Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews said it was always the plan to remove restrictions when safe and with transmission decreasing, he was confident to do so.

“We always said these measures wouldn’t be in place for a minute longer than they are needed, and with hospitalisation numbers decreasing and less pressure on our health system, now is a sensible time to make changes,” he said.

“We’re grateful to everyone who has been doing the right thing, helping to reduce the impact of this virus on the

community, our healthcare system and our economy.”

Mr Andrews said face mask mandates and working from home recommendations were being reviewed and an announcement would be made on Friday, February 25, regarding any easing of restrictions.

Opposition leader, Matthew Guy said Victorians would be “let down” by the eased restrictions announced on Thursday as they want an end to QR codes and mask mandates.

 “Every day that mask mandates remain in office settings is another day that small business owners across Melbourne struggle to keep their doors open,” he said.

“No more mask mandates, no more QR code check ins and no more lockdowns.”

Further details on the new restrictions are available at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.