The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said the news of Covid restrictions rolling back is overdue.
“With Victoria’s extraordinarily high vaccination rates there’s been no excuse for Daniel Andrews to drag out easing of restrictions,” said Bath.
“The Nationals have been calling for change to the restrictions and mandates, but Daniel Andrews has ignored the science for his own purposes.
“A number of restrictions and mandates should never had been enforced in the first place.
“Our primary school children should never have been forced to wear masks, it’s not sensible and it impacts learning.
“Victorians are now living with Covid – vaccine mandates, should have been gone long ago except in high settings, along with close contact isolation rules.
“It’s important to be looking to the future and it’s wrong for Labor to be hanging onto decisions that negatively impact families, children and businesses.”
Ms Bath said the Andrews Labor Government has run the most incompetent and divisive Covid management strategy in Australia.
“Our community has experienced widespread mental, social and economic damage inflicted by Victoria’s harsh lockdowns that did not work,” Ms Bath said.
“Unsurprising the Premier has now announced he’s likely to remove all restrictions and end Victoria pandemic declaration in July, four months before the state election.
“Victoria has been stymied by the Andrews Government with oppressive restrictions for over two years, held back by Labor’s state of emergency and pandemic laws.
“We need sensible measures – if you are unwell stay home, but if you are well, go about your business.
“It’s time to focus on positive forward-facing steps which allow communities to recover and rebuild.”
Changes coming into effect on Friday 22 April, ahead of the Anzac Day long weekend:
- The vaccinated economy ends
- From 11.59pm Friday, vaccination status will no longer be required for patrons to enter pubs and cafes, and check-ins with QR codes will be scrapped.
- Masks will no longer be needed in primary schools, retail, and hospitality.
- Close contacts of positive Covid cases will not be required to quarantine, but they are to wear a mask indoors and are advised to avoid high-risk areas. They are required take five negative rapid tests across seven days. Health authorities recommend close contacts work from home if possible.
Major events with more than 30,000 people will no longer need approval from public health officials.
