Fresh push to boost jab rates in young kids

Children and their families will be able to get vaccinated at Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary under a fresh push to boost jab rates in young kids. Covid commander Jeroen Weimar announced that the state government’s vaccine “K-pops” – which were previously targeted towards vulnerable children – would now be expanded to all kids aged between five and 11. “It’s creating a safe and enjoyable place,” Mr Weimar said. The service will offer family members to get their booster shots. They will also be given free entry to the parks. It comes as Health Minister Martin Foley on Friday appeared to scale back on the government’s stance on vaccine mandates, confirming there was no plans to mandate boosters in more workplace settings. But Mr Foley said the government reserved the right to introduce mandates in future if needed. Victoria has recorded 6,580 Covid cases and 11 deaths on Friday.There are 301 people with Covid in hospital, with 38 in intensive care and 4 on ventilators.The state has 41,125 active cases.Push to get back to the CBDMeanwhile, CBD workers are being enticed back to offices with offers of free meals, coffee, health vouchers and live music.With the state work from home directive lifted this weekend, office building managers are preparing for an influx of staff from Monday.General manager of key office tower 101 Collins, Peter Calwell, said that occupancy was at about 20 per cent now, but would probably rise to 50 per cent quickly.“The general feeling is people do want to come back to work, but probably not five days a week,” he said.“Not having the indoor mask requirement makes people more comfortable sitting in the office.”Mr Calwell said that for those still reluctant to return, tenant businesses were offering freebies like lunches and coffees.And 101 Collins management will be offering up to 30 classes a week in its wellness centre across classes like Pilates, yoga, boxing and tailored health programs.Mr Calwell said the return of workers would help CBD small businesses, while workers would get benefits and knowledge that might not happen otherwise.“People bumping into each other walking around the place, and having formal chats that you really can’t contrive when you’re working from home,” he said.Among other office towers with incentive schemes, Collins Square, at 747 Collins St, will have welcome back signs, floral displays, tenant exclusive retail offers, and live music in lobbies.Spring Place, on the corner of Spring and Lonsdale streets, will feature live music next Wednesday in foyers and laneways.Property Council Victorian executive director Danni Hunter said next week was a cause for celebration.“It’s great that employers and building owners are marking this occasion, and we encourage all employers to roll out the red carpet to welcome people back, and spend a few dollars while they do supporting small CBD businesses,” she said.However, feedback from members of public sector union CPSU shows significant concerns about mass return to offices.It’s understood some members are worried about catching Covid, and how ditching the mask mandate will affect employer obligations to reduce workplace risk under health and safety laws.Unionists are also concerned about increased workloads due to lack of extra staff to deal with catch-up and backlogs.Other factors raised include public transport safety, rapid antigen test availability and ventilation issues if office windows must be closed.NED-5250-Victoria’s Covid-19 statistics