Victoria’s latest COVID-19 rules, restrictions, and testing guidelines

Flinders St Station Melbourne

RACV Staff

Posted December 08, 2023


After more than two and a half years since the Victorian Government declared a state of emergency, the pandemic declaration has come to an end. Here’s everything you need to know moving forward.

Mandatory isolation for people with COVID-19 ended in October 2022, effectively ceasing the last of the mandated restrictions since the pandemic began. 

That announcement provided an end to the mandatory five-day isolation period for most people who have COVID-19, although it is still ‘strongly recommended'. Those who work in vulnerable settings such as hospitals, aged care, and disability services are required to isolate for at least five days. Some vaccination requirements for vulnerable settings remain. 

The requirement to report your COVID-19-positive test is also no longer mandatory. 

As of 2023, PCR tests are longer no longer available on the spot. Australians who require one will require a referral from a medical or nurse practitioner. 

People determined to be high risk with a PCR referral will be prioritised, with access to antivirals availble for those who test postivie on either a RAT or PCR.  

Other individuals looking to test are encouraged to monitor for symptoms and use a RAT to detemine if they are positive for COVID-19. 

Vaccines and digital health services remain available. The free 'primary dose' is considered to be the first two doses, with ongoing COVID-19 booster shots also freely available for those eligible. 

Adults are eligible for a booster if it has been six months or longer since their last COVID-19 booster or confirmed infection (whichever is most recent). For more information on eligibility, see the health.gov.au website for details. 

For current recommendations, restrictions, rules and requirements for COVID-19 in Victoria, see below.  

The following guidelines are presented in the Victorian Government's roadmap, as outlined on coronavirus.vic.gov.au

In this article:

COVID-19 testing and isolation guidelines for Victoria 

Victoria COVID-19 testing and isolation guidelines

Victoria COVID-19 testing and isolation guidelines

Testing advice

Isolation period

I don't have COVID-19 symptoms

No action required unless travelling or certain medical procedures, see state or country guidelines for details.

None.

I have COVID-19 symptoms 

RAT test.

 

PCR only with referral or as instructed. 

Rest and recover at home if possible, test regularly.

 

It is strongly recommended you wear a mask if leaving your home.

 

Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

I have been diagnosed with COVID-19

Diagnosis can come from either positive PCR or RAT.

If working in a vulnerable setting, isolate for five days minimum.

 

Recommended to rest and recover at home, test regularly.

 

It is strongly recommended you wear a mask if leaving your home.

 

Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

 

I'm a household contact – no symptoms

Wearing a mask is optional if leaving home. 

 

Continually test negative using a rapid antigen test.

None.

I'm a household contact – have symptoms

Get tested as soon as possible if symptoms develop. 

Rest and recover at home if possible, test regularly.

 

It is strongly recommended you wear a mask if leaving your home.

 

Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Other or casual contact – social, workplace etc. 

Monitor for symptoms, RAT advised.

Current restrictions in Victoria

Isolation period

People who work in vulnerable settings

If you work in a vulnerable setting such as aged care, disability services, Aboriginal health care or hospital care, you must isolate for a mandatory period of five days. You can leave isolation on day five if you have no symptoms. 

On day six or seven, if you have symptoms, even if mild, it is recommended you isolate until symptoms dissapate. 

General public

If you do not work in the above settings and you test positive to COVID-19 on a RAT or PCR test, it is recommended that you isolate for at least five days, but it is not mandatory. 

On day six or seven, if you have symptoms, even if mild, it is recommended you continue to isolate until symptoms dissipate. 

If leaving isolation, it is advised that you do not visit or work at a hospital, aged care facility, disability care facility or in-home care premises until the seven-day period is over. 

Masks

Masks are no longer required on trams, trains and buses, or in taxis, rideshare, or tourism vehicles. 

However, masks are still strongly recommended in these settings, public indoor environments, in areas where you can't physically distance, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, and for people who are immunocompromised.

Masks are still required for many hospitals, aged care, and indoor areas at health and care facilities.

Elective surgery

Surgeries are available at public and private hospitals, based on capacity, staff availability and the COVID-19 demands of the location.  

Vaccines

Some workplaces and individual venues may require vaccination for entry. 

Workers in industries such as aged and disability care, healthcare, and emergency services may be required to have a certain number of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to be considered ‘up to date.’

Entering Victoria

There is no testing, vaccination, quarantine, isolation or permit requirements to enter Victoria in relation to COVID-19. 

If you test positive to COVID-19, it is recommended you do not travel, and ensure you wear a mask, social distance, and do not put others at risk. 

Masks are no longer required in Australian airports or on domestic flights.

Leaving Victoria

International flights are at the discretion of the carrier and destination you are heading to. 

Air travel

Travellers coming into Victoria no longer need to be vaccinated.

It is recommended to complete a PCR or RAT with 24 hours of arriving into Australia. Travellers do not need to quarantine while waiting for a result. 

If symptoms arise within seven days, the person is recommended to have a PCR or RAT and self-quarantine until they receive a result. 

Cruises

There are no longer any COVID-19 vaccination, quarantine, permit, or testing requirements to enter or exit Victoria on a cruise ship. Individual carriers may have their own mandates. 

Gatherings

There are no limits to the number of people gathering indoors or outdoors (including the home).

Retail, entertainment, events and hospitality

Retail venues, cinemas, dance floors and theatres can operate at maximum capacity.

Workplace

Rules requiring general workers to work from home unless they are double vaccinated are lifted, although workplaces can set their own conditions.

 


Definition of 'contacts'

Close contacts

If you have been in close proximity to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in a home setting for more than four hours or live with the person, you do not need to isolate. However, it is recommended that you use a RAT and record at least five negative results over the seven day period, wear a mask at home, notify your employer/educational provider, and refrain from visiting hospitals or care facilities.

If you receive a positive result on a RAT or PCR, it is recommended you isolate for at least five days. 

Social and workplace contacts

If you spend more than 15 minutes with a person who tests positive to COVID-19, it is advised that you complete a RAT for a fiv -day period. 

If you have symptoms, it is recommended that you isolate until you receive a negative report. 

Education and chilcare setting contacts 

If you or your child have symptoms, it is recommended that you isolate until you receive a negative result. 

When you are not a close contact

Those who have isolated with COVID-19 in the four weeks previous to exposure with a COVID-19 positive person are not considered a close contact in their recent recovery period. 

 

 


Victoria's current COVID-19 restrictions

The following guidelines are presented in the Victorian Government's roadmap, as outlined on coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

Victoria's COVID-19 roadmap

Victoria's COVID-19 roadmap

Rules as of 8 December 2023

Leaving home

No restrictions

Masks

Masks are required for certain hospitals, aged care, and indoor areas at health and care facilities

 

 

Travel

No restrictions on intrastate or interstate travel

 

Check COVID restrictions for your destination

 

Private gatherings

No limit

Public gatherings

No limit

Hospitality

No limit

Weddings

No limit

Funerals

No limit

Schools, Childcare and Higher Education

Schools and childcare are open to all ages

 

Third-dose vaccine mandates lifted for staff, but workplaces can set individual policies

Workplace

Some restrictions apply depending on the workplace and industry

 

Every Victorian business or organisation with on-site operations must continue to have and update a COVIDSafe plan

Retail

Masks recommended in indoor settings but not required

Beauty therapy

Masks recommended in indoor settings but not required

Religious gatherings

If held at or by an organisation or workplace, recommended a COVIDSafe plan

Sport & Outdoor

If held at or by an organisation or workplace, recommended a COVIDSafe plan

Entertainment

If held at or by an organisation or workplace, recommended a COVIDSafe plan

Hospitals & care facilities

Hospitals - Advised to take a RAT before visiting

Hospitals may apply their own COVIDSafe settings based on local needs

Some mask requirements remain

 

Aged care - Visitors may be required to wear a mask and show a negative COVID-19 result 

Real estate

No limit