Greater Shepparton, which is still recovering from a significant outbreak in August, has not been included in the trials which will start two weeks before Victoria reaches the 70 per cent full vaccination target on October 26.
Up to 20 vaccinated economy trials will test systems that will grant greater freedoms to vaccinated people.
The trials will cover hospitality, hairdressing, beauty services, tourism businesses, and events such as race meetings, community celebrations and concerts – allowing higher patron numbers with all attendees confirmed as being fully vaccinated.
Bass Coast, Greater Bendigo, Pyrenees, Warrnambool, Buloke and East Gippsland municipalities will be the first to participate in the trials due to their high vaccination rates and low or no COVID-19 cases.
“It is about seeing how our vaccinated economy system might work,” Industry Support and Recovery Minister Martin Pakula said.
“We’ll do the work on these trials and provide businesses with the support they need to maintain and build on the gains that continue to be enabled by vaccination.”
The trials will confirm the best processes for establishing vaccination status, with work under way on how Commonwealth vaccination data can be best integrated with the Service Victoria app.
Pending the outcomes of the first phase, a second phase of trials using 80 per cent double dose settings will be held, prior to Victoria achieving that threshold.
Training for staff, supports for business owners and public communication of vaccine requirements will also be part of the trials.
In regional cafes and restaurants, the patron cap increases to 30 people for indoor spaces and 100 people for outdoor spaces at 70 per cent double dose vaccination – on the basis that all patrons and staff are fully vaccinated.
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