Victoria recorded 705 new COVID-19 cases and one death on Monday after 51,252 COVID-19 test results.
There are now 8,538 active cases across the state.
Geelong and the Surf Coast are easing restrictions today, while regional towns prepare to trial vaccine passports.
At 11.59pm Tuesday, metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire will also ease restrictions as the state hits the 80 per cent milestone for single-dose vaccination rates.
Among restrictions set to ease will be the ability to travel for 15km rather than 10, personal training will be allowed for the fully vaccinated and people will be able to play outdoor activities, such as golf, tennis and “contactless” sport. Playground restrictions will be lifted and people will gather in groups of two or five depending on their vaccination status. They will also be allowed to remove masks to eat and drink.
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State and federal governments are also considering relaxing isolation requirements for the fully vaccinated. As it is, Victorians who visit tier 1 exposure sites need to isolate for 14 days and are only released after two negative test results.
Vaccinated healthcare workers in Victoria exposed to COVID-19 can return to work after a negative test after five days, however need to take daily saliva tests and two more PCR tests.
On Sunday, Industry Recovery Minister Martin Pakula said that COVID-19 vaccine passports may be trialled at the Melbourne Cup to open the state to ticketed events. The trial would begin on 11 October once it was determined which would be the best way to assess a person’s vaccination status.
“We’ll also be looking at what sort of training staff need, what sort of support business owners require, what sort of public communication or vaccine requirements will be necessary,” Mr Pakula said. “All of that will be fed into these trials.”
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Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews indicated that COVID-19 jabs would be mandated for more sectors, including hairdressing and tourism.
On Sunday Mr Andrews appeared at the COVID-19 press briefing with a DIY haircut after seven weeks of lockdown had seen his hair grow.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday that state leaders should open their borders to allow families to reunite at Christmas once vaccination rates reach levels of 80 per cent. He told Weekend Sunrise on Sunday “there comes a time when you’ve just got to move on and get on with it.”
He also said that the arrangement made with Australian people regarding the 80 per cent target should be honoured, and he rebuked Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan for not opening their borders.