Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews, announced earlier today the first plans of the Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan, set to be revised again in November.

Even though there is a clear and optimistic plan to exit the lockdown in a safe way that will not burden healthcare professionals immensely, Victorian businesses feel left out.

“Victorian businesses wanted a pathway to prosperity, but instead we got a roadmap with roadblocks,” said Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra.

“Victorians deserve answers as to why Victoria’s health advice and roadmap is so different to NSW. It is extremely tough to look over the border and see our NSW neighbours get back to relatively normal life while we continue to be locked down in a holding pattern.

According to the modeling, once the state reaches 80 per cent single vaccination by 26 September, Victorians will start enjoying more freedoms, such as:

  • Outdoor leisure activities such as golf and cricket will be permitted
  • Outdoor personal training for up to five fully vaccinated people will also be permitted

As of 26 October, when 70 per cent double vaccination is predicted to be achieved, more restrictions will ease.

  • The curfew will be completely dropped and Victorians will be able to leave home for any reason
  • Strip shopping will again open but for outside trade only
  • Hair and beauty salons will be able to resume business for up to five vaccinated customers who will be able to remove their masks indoors
  • Hospitality  will only open for outside trade and based on square metre regulations the maximum limit will be 50 fully vaccinated people
  • In Regional Victoria only, hospitality venues can serve up to 30 vaccinated people inside
  • Outdoor weddings and funerals will be permitted for up to 50 fully vaccinated guests and participants

With the caps set on patrons and the inability for the venues that cannot operate an outdoor space to resume work, many Victorian business owners are afraid they will not be able to hold on for much longer.

“The State Government must urgently commit to additional financial support for the many businesses that remain in limbo and do more to incentivise vaccination, such as public health orders to mandate vaccination for workers in all consumer-facing sectors,” added Mr Guerra.

“Business has been in crisis for the last 20 months, today’s announcement further intensifies that crisis and many businesses will not make it through.”

As the state reaches 80 per cent double vaccination, even more freedoms will be enjoyed. The rough estimate in terms of timeframe is 5 November.

  • Hospitality venues will open for up to 150 vaccinated people inside and 500 outside for seated service only
  • Masks will only be required inside
  • Vaccinated people can go to the office to work but those who are not vaccinated will still need to work from home if they can
  • Retail will open
  • Hairdressers and beauty will be open for vaccinated people without the five customer cap
  • Weddings and funerals permitted for up to 150 inside and 500 outside