Restrictions remain for unvaccinated Victorians

Restrictions remain for unvaccinated Victorians

Shoppers both seated and walking in a Melbourne arcade              with a Christmas tree in the background.

Hospitalisations are at their lowest levels since September.(ABC News: Simon Tucci)

Unvaccinated people will not be allowed into non-essential retail businesses such as clothing, toy, and book shops, hairdressers, and real estate inspections and auctions. The changes coming into effect tonight also mark an extension of Victoria’s so-called “vaccinated economy.”

Non-essential retail will only be open to those who are fully vaccinated, children under 12, and those with a valid exemption.

Those non-essential retail businesses were previously open to people who were not vaccinated.

Indoor and outdoor events, along with major sporting events like the Boxing Day Test will require attendees to show proof of vaccination.

Acting Chief Health Officer Ben Cowie said urged those who had chosen not to be vaccinated to rethink their stance.

“Talk to your family, make an appointment with your GP, have a chat to your immunisation nurse, pop down to your pharmacy and have a chat, these are the people you trust with your health across the board.