Coronavirus update for Victoria - 26 March 2021

Victoria has recorded no new cases of coronavirus since yesterday and there are no cases currently active.

This is the 28^th day in a row that Victoria has recorded no locally acquired new cases of COVID-19.

The total number of confirmed cases in Victoria since the beginning of the pandemic is 20,483.

Update: Queensland Travel Permit Zone

The Queensland Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Brisbane and Moreton Bay have been designated an orange zone under Victoria’s ‘traffic light’ travel permit system.

People entering Victoria from an orange zone (excluding people who have only passed through an orange zone during transit to the airport) must apply for an orange zone permit.

You cannot obtain an orange zone permit if you have COVID-19 symptoms. On arrival in Victoria, orange zone permit holders must immediately self-isolate, get a coronavirus test within 72 hours of arriving, and stay isolated until a negative result is received.

To apply for a travel permit to enter Victoria, visit Service Victoria.

Queensland Exposure Sites

Queensland Health has announced a positive case of coronavirus and has listed a number of public exposure sites on the Queensland Government website.

People currently in Victoria who were at any of these locations in the specified times must contact the Victorian Department at 1300 651 160 and follow the relevant advice issued by Queensland Health.

Anyone who has entered Victoria from the City of Brisbane and Moreton Bay Region since 12 March must immediately self-isolate, get a coronavirus test within 72 hours, and stay isolated until they receive a negative result.

Using data from travel permits, the Victorian Department of Health will be contacting anyone who has entered Victoria from the City of Brisbane and Moreton Bay Region since 12 March to advise them of their obligations.

To see where to get tested in Victoria, visit Where to get tested. The Department will continue monitoring the situation in Queensland and provide further updates where required.

Update: Vaccinations

A total of 5,247 COVID-19 vaccination doses were administered yesterday at hospital vaccination hubs across Victoria.

This brings the total number of vaccine doses administered in Victoria over the first four weeks of the program to 75,626.

Victoria is continuing to support the Commonwealth with its vaccination program, with further expansion of the program dependent on vaccine supply.

As part of the Commonwealth’s vaccination program for group 1B we are vaccinating critical workers, including emergency service workers, lower-risk healthcare workers, food processing workers and transport workers.

Further easing of restrictions

From 6pm today, Friday 26 March, COVIDSafe settings will be further relaxed.

Victorians will be able to host up to 100 people in their home per day and outdoor gatherings can increase to 200.

All public and private sector office workers can return to onsite work. Workplaces must have a COVIDSafe Plan and ensure workers can return in a COVIDSafe way with a density limit of 1 person per 2sqm.

Masks must be carried at all times. Masks are still required on public transport, in rideshare vehicles and taxis, and in sensitive settings such as aged care facilities and hospitals. Masks are no longer required in retail settings.

Density limits have been further eased for casinos and nightclubs, as well as gyms and exercise classes. Indoor non-seated entertainment venues will increase from 50 per cent to 75 per cent capacity, however, the limit of 1000 people per space remains.

More information will be available at Coronavirus Victoria.

General advice

Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath and loss or change in sense of smell or taste. If you are experiencing any symptoms, wear a fitted face mask when you get tested.

The Department is publishing expected wait times at testing sites as well as updated information about locations and hours of operation at Where to get tested.

There are no current active exposure sites in Victoria. A list of exposure sites is published at Case alerts - public exposure sites.

Travel permit applications can be made through the Service Victoria portal.

For more information call the 24-hour Coronavirus Hotline at 1800 675 398 or visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria.

Latest statewide numbers (data reported to 11:59pm yesterday):