The 28-day streak is considered the benchmark for having eliminated COVID-19 from the community.From 6pm, Victorians will no longer need to wear masks in retail settings.But they will still need to carry a mask with them and wear them on public transport, in rideshare vehicles, and in hospitals.Up to 100 people will be allowed to gather in private settings, with outdoor gatherings in public places boosted to 200.Non-seated venues will be able to increase capacity from 50 per cent to 75 per cent but a maximum of 1000 people in any space remains.Density limits will also be reduced in some settings.And the cap on office workers has been scrapped, with workplaces able to return to 100 per cent.It comes as international arrivals will return to Melbourne on April 8, with improved hotel quarantine to accept up to 800 travellers a week.In Towong Shire, in the state’s northeast, not one of the 6040 residents contracted coronavirus since the outbreak of the pandemic.When you can get the COVID vaccine?But they’ve dutifully worn masks for 237 days like their fellow Victorians.That changes from 6pm with the lifting of mask restrictions, including the end of mask-wearing in shops.Don Brown, 85, of Tallangatta, said people in the area were relieved the mask decree was ending.“It’s been a nuisance really. I’m definitely glad to see the back of them,’’ Mr Brown said.“I couldn’t see the sense in it because there were no cases up here. We’re outside, in the country.’’Towong is just one of three council areas, along with Buloke and Hindmarsh in the west, to record no coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic. Victoria has gone 27 days without any locally acquired new cases.The mask order was introduced for Melbourne and Mitchell shire on July 22 and extended to the rest of Victoria on August 2.Deakin University epidemiologist Professor Catherine Bennett said wearing of masks had been effective in preventing transmission of the virus.“If you’re going to put on your mask, therefore you’re more likely to also sanitise your hands at the dispenser,’’ she said.ian.royall@news.com.au
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