COVID-19 update – Steps to improve testing times and reduce transmission

The  Victorian Government has announced steps to reduce testing queues and transmission in Victoria, under new pandemic orders taking effect from 11:59pm, Thursday 6 January 2022.  

Density quotients and working and studying from home 

To reduce the risk of super-spreader events in these settings, a density quotient of one person per two square metres will be required indoors at:  

• hospitality venues, including restaurants, cafés, pubs and nightclubs  
• entertainment venues, including arcades and amusement parks, casinos and gaming venues. 

It is also recommended that entertainment and hospitality venues and their patrons opt for seated service only and avoid indoor dancefloors. 

The strong recommendation to work from home and study from home for adult education if you can, will remain in place until Australia Day and will continue to be assessed. 

Changes to the COVID-19 testing system

People who test positive on a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will be considered probable cases and be subject to the same requirements as confirmed cases from a PCR test. They must isolate for seven days and notify their contacts. 

• It will be mandatory for individuals to report the result of a positive RAT to the Department of Health through an online form or by phone – ensuring people can access the care and information they need, including monitoring for worsening symptoms and financial support for isolation. 
• Until RATs are in increased supply, Victorians who have symptoms, or asymptomatic household contacts required to use RATs, can still get a PCR test if they can’t access any RATs. 
• This change means PCR testing can increasingly be reserved for confirmation of clinical diagnoses in vulnerable settings and critical workforce testing. 
• More information on RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS can be found here: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/rapid-antigen-tests

Vaccines appointments can be booked at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine.