Victoria Covid-19: More restrictions to be enforced in Victoria as cases surge

More Covid-19 restrictions have been enforced on Victorians as cases continue to skyrocket in the state.

Density limits of one person per 2sqm will be brought back for indoor dining in hospitality venues like pubs and restaurants as of midnight on Thursday.

These rules will not apply to indoor cinemas and theatres. 

Victorians have also been strongly advised to work and study from home until Australia Day. 

Health Minister Martin Foley confirmed the changes on Thursday after declaring the state was in a ‘new phase’ of the pandemic.

Changes around hospitality venues were made due to large numbers of young people testing positive from going out to bars and pubs.

‘These relatively mild restrictions are about making sure that that activity can continue but it can continue in a less congregated and less active space,’ Mr Foley said.

Patrons have also been told to avoid dancefloors. 

Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer Ben Cowie also said on Thursday that residents who test positive to Covid on rapid antigen tests will be required to report their positive status to the Department of Health either through an online form or over the phone.

Scott Morrison announced on Wednesday that those who test positive on RATs do not need to confirm their results on a PCR test. 

Daniel Andrews’ government had already declared that as of Thursday, category two and three elective surgery would be paused.

Density limits of one person per 2sqm will be brought back for indoor dining in hospitality venues like pubs and restaurants

Emergency surgery will still be allowed.  

Victoria saw a record 21,997 new infections and six deaths on Thursday but ICU rates dropped by two from the previous day.

There are 631 residents in hospital, a jump from 591 on Wednesday, while 51 patients are in intensive care.

More to come