SWEEPING changes to the state‘s COVID–19 restrictions set to come into effect from 11:59pm on Friday will see contact tracing efforts across Victoria largely abolished.

The government announcement this morning pointed to a 70 per cent third vaccination rate among Victorian adults as the catalyst for the changes.

Under the new changes to the state‘s pandemic orders, patrons will no longer be required to show their vaccination status before entering venues, with a double vaccination requirement no longer imposed.

Close contacts will no longer be required to complete a seven day period of self–isolation, provided they wear a mask indoors, avoid sensitive settings and undertake at least five negative rapid tests over the seven day period.

Staff and patrons will no longer be expected to check–in using the Service Victoria app, and operators will no longer keep attendance records or maintain a check–in marshal, while masks will only be required in hospitals and aged care settings.

All other visitor restrictions on hospitals will be removed, allowing health services to develop their own settings, while individuals who test positive for COVID–19 will be exempt from testing or quarantine for 12 weeks, up from eight under previous restrictions.

Those who test positive for COVID will still be required to isolate for seven days and notify workplace and social contacts, while visitor restrictions in care facilities will remain in place.