THE Victorian government has announced plans to begin a 'vaccinated economy' trial in regional Victoria, a fortnight before the state expects to reach 70 per cent full vaccination coverage.
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Scheduled to start on October 11, the trial will involve hospitality, hairdressing, beauty services and tourism.
Under the trial, patron caps at venues and events will be expanded as all attendees will have to be fully vaccinated.
Six regional areas will participate in the trial, including Buloke, Greater Bendigo, Pyrenees, Warrnambool, Bass Coast and East Gippsland.
Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula announced the plan at a state government press conference on Sunday.
"Businesses and events are on the front line of this vital campaign to keep Victorians safe and our economy recovering strongly," Mr 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."
"We'll be looking at how we can best establish somebody's vaccination status as part of these trials. So how the data can be integrated with the service Victoria app.
"We'll be looking at Medicare online, the express plus Medicare, how copies are vaccination certificates that can be obtained through Services Australia.
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"All of those different types of proof will be considered as part of the trials. We will also be looking at what sort of training staff need, what sort of support business owners require, what sort of public communication of vaccine requirements will be necessary."
Pending the outcomes of the first phase, a second phase of trials using 80 per cent double dose settings will be held.
COVID-19 restrictions are also expected to ease slightly from Tuesday night as the state reaches its 80 per cent first dose target.
In regional Victoria, outdoor settings for restaurants and cafes will have their outdoor venue cap increase from 20 to 30 people.
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