As part of Victoria’s ongoing management of the coronavirus pandemic, amendments will be made to the pandemic orders to align with recent decisions made by National Cabinet.

From 11.59pm on Thursday 8 September, the self-isolation period for positive COVID-19 cases who don’t have symptoms on day five of their isolation will reduce from seven to five days – excluding people who work in high-risk settings. The requirement to wear masks on domestic flights will also be lifted.

These changes also align with the decisions of National Cabinet on 31 August and are appropriate actions at this point in the pandemic, and ensure national consistency.

The new orders around the self-isolation period for positive cases include some additional requirements to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

Anyone leaving isolation after five days cannot visit or work at a sensitive setting – such as hospitals, residential aged care, disability care settings or in-home care for the next two days, or if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

This additional precaution reflects the increased risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19 in people in those high-risk settings.

People who work in other settings must notify their workplace that they have completed isolation if they are attending work on site.

As an additional risk mitigation, people who leave isolation after five days are recommended to undertake rapid antigen testing in the days following their isolation and test negative before attending their workplace or other settings of higher risk, and to wear a mask in indoor settings outside the home – in line with existing recommendations.

There are no changes to the current isolation requirements for close contacts, who can continue to leave home each day, provided they continually test negative on a rapid antigen test.

Confirmed cases must also notify their workplace that they have completed self-isolation if attending work onsite.

The Minister has made this decision following consultation with the Chief Health Officer and consideration of advice. The Minister’s Statement of Reasons and the Chief Health Officer’s advice will be published on the Department of Health’s website within seven days of the orders coming into effect.