AS part of the ongoing management of the coronavirus pandemic, Victoria made changes to COVID-19 requirements to align with decisions agreed to by all states and territories at National Cabinet. 

The pandemic declaration ended on Wednesday - and Victorians are no longer required to isolate after testing positive to COVID-19, with isolation for positive cases now strongly recommended.

Premier Daniel Andrews congratulated Victorians and said they had done an amazing job over the last three years and that the new framework would give people the choice to do what is right for them and their community.

Requirements for close contacts like continually testing negative on a rapid antigen test have become strong recommendations - joining the strong recommendation to wear a mask indoors, which will remain in place.

Targeted financial support is continuing for eligible healthcare workers, including in Aboriginal, hospital, aged care, and disability care work, including those providing in-home care.

This financial support will continue supporting these workers to isolate if they test positive to COVID-19, protecting them and their patients.

“We’re making sure there are still requirements in place to protect our dedicated healthcare workers and vulnerable Victorians in high-risk settings like aged care, disability settings and hospitals,” Mr Andrews said.

On advice from the Commonwealth chief medical officer, the decision to end mandatory isolation periods was unanimously agreed to by First Ministers at a meeting of National Cabinet at the end of September, with each jurisdiction to implement the change via their relevant public health legislation.

The Department of Health will put in place Secretary Directions to ensure there is no disruption to vaccination requirements in health service settings - keeping the most vulnerable Victorians safe and protected.

These directions - which are already used each year to require healthcare staff to be vaccinated against the flu - will allow for vaccination requirements in public, denominational and private hospitals, as well as public sector aged care facilities, day procedure centres and throughout ambulance service.

Powers also exist under OH&S laws and Departmental Secretary Directions to require vaccinations for people in workplaces, including in the public service - allowing employers to decide which measures are most appropriate to keep their workplaces protected against COVID-19.

Every Victorian business or organisation with on-site operations must still keep a COVIDSafe Plan at their workplace and workplaces should regularly review and update their COVIDSafe Plan.

For Victorian schools, these new updates mean a few changes.

Masks are no longer recommended with the new rules simply stating those “who wish to wear a face mask should be supported to do so”.

There is no longer a requirement for classes to be held outside where possible or for camps and excursions to be postponed in the case of staff shortages.

Windows can now be closed, if needed, however, schools are still encouraged to maximise airflow and staff are encouraged to keep up with vaccinations.

Alerts to parents when children are infected have also ceased, and staff, parents or visitors will not be required to prove they are vaccinated in order to work in or access any school settings.

However, it is still recommended that students and staff with COVID-19 stay home from school for five days or until their symptoms end.

Staff who test positive to COVID-19 will be able to access five days paid special leave without a medical certificate in addition to personal leave.

On Thursday, the Victorian Government recorded 1237 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 5972 cases with 136 cases in hospital, eight cases in ICU and 10 lives lost.