Victoria Rejoices as Masks Come Off, and Casual Workers Get Benefits

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews explained the new rules

Victoria Rejoices as Masks Come Off, and Casual Workers Get Benefits
Image: Weyne Yew/Unsplash

The people in Victoria have got more than one reason to be thankful to the higher power or the government. The first good news is that the coronavirus restrictions are finally easing off and it is not mandatory to wear a mask all the time. Another good news is for casual workers who will get paid sick leaves at government expense. Here is the rundown of both for you.

 

The New Mask Rules

People in Victoria would now have to wear a mask only when indoors, on public transport or when they are at a place where social distancing is not possible. Victorian Premier Dan Andrews explained the new rules and said “If you go to Bunnings and you are inside the store, you are wearing a mask. If you are in the car park, you do not have to wear your mask. But if you are queuing up for a sausage, and you are with other people, and you are simply not keeping a distance, you are part of a crowd, you need to put the mask on.”

 

More People Allowed

People in Victoria can also have up to 15 people in their homes or a holiday rental. Restaurants, bars, café, and other establishments can also have 100 people indoors and 200 outdoors while complying with density limits.

 

Freedom to Practice a Sport and Hit the Gym

The gyms and sporting venues in Victoria can have 150 people at a time. Groups of up to 20 people must adhere to one person for four square meters rule. Indoor pools can host 150 people while outdoor pools can have as much as 300 people at a time.

 

Casual Workers Can Rejoice Too

All the causal or insecure workers in Victoria can get a paid sick leave of up to five days as per the Secure Work Pilot Scheme while the government will bear the expense. The Premier announced this change via his Twitter. He said “Once up and running, the two-year pilot will afford these workers a sick pay when they’re unwell, and carer’s pay when they need to take time to look after someone they love. Importantly, it will mean Victorians aren’t being forced to choose between the safety of their co‑workers – and putting food on the table for their family.”

 

He added “When people have nothing to fall back on, they make a choice between the safety of their workmates and feeding their family. The ultimate decision they make isn’t wrong – what’s wrong is they’re forced to make it at all.”

 

He further said, “This isn’t going to solve the problem of insecure work overnight, but someone has to put their hand up and say we’re going to take this out of the too hard basket and do something about it – and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

 

It seems that the tide is turning for not just Victoria but the whole world as there is positive news coming in regarding the coronavirus vaccine too!

 

Share this on social media