Of those rules — which include mask wearing in a range of high-risk settings,and on public transport — vaccine mandates for staff and patrons of places deemed high-risk would be hardest to replace if eased too early before a further feared wave in winter,Dr Gerrard said.
“So that’s probably why we are being relatively cautious in our approach,” Dr Gerrard said. “We honestly are reviewing them constantly”.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said it was important people in such spaces were vaccinated to avoid COVID clusters seen previously and give others the “confidence to be able to go out to support the economy”. However,businesses havenow also called for a review.
While 90 per cent of the state’s 12-plus population has now had two doses of a vaccine,only 56 per cent have received a booster — the lowest rate of all Australian jurisdictions.
In past weeks,authorities have suggested the vaccine lockouts for those without at least two doses were still needed to help motivate people to come forward for one. Most transmission was also said to be occurring in household groups.
The restriction covers entry to hospitality and entertainment venues,government-owned cultural sites,weddings of more than 20 people and places such as hospitals,residential aged care and disability services.