Alyssa Fritzlaff
MASKS are mandatory in all indoor settings across Victoria from 11.59pm tonight.
Face-masks will be required in all indoor settings, except private homes, for all persons eight years and over.
They will also be required at all major events with more than 30,000 people in attendance.
Masks will be required when moving around at major events, however they are not required while people are seated outdoors.
This comes after the state recorded 2005 new COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths overnight.
Latrobe has recorded 17 new cases, and 74 total active cases of COVID-19.
Acting Premier James Merlino called the new restrictions “modest and common sense changes,” and recommended that people take advantage of the festive season and work from home where possible.
“Victoria is in one of the strongest positions of any place around the world to combat this new fast-paced variant,” he said.
“We are not considering going into lockdown,” he added.
Health Minister Martin Foley said that modelling has been used to make the decision to change restrictions.
The modelling shows that “the risks of not acting far outweigh the risks of acting,” he said.
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton reported that five million vaccine doses have been delivered through vaccine hubs in Victoria, another milestone for the state.
Mr Sutton praised Victorians for their willingness to come forward and get booster shots.
“It’s absolutely fantastic to see how many Victorians are coming forward for their third dose,” he said.
