Vaccinated economy trials begin in six regional Victorian areas

Victoria’s new vaccinated economy will be trialled in six regional areas from today.

Venues in Buloke, Pyrenees, Bass Coast, Greater Bendigo, East Gippsland and Warrnambool reopen at a larger capacity today for customers, who are fully vaccinated.

The businesses involved include cinemas, hotels and cafes, a gym, an art gallery, a church and a beauty clinic.

Everyone attending the venues will have to show proof of vaccination.

The trial comes ahead of plans for a concert with thousands of attendees at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on October 30 and the Melbourne Cup, which is expected to proceed with a 10,000 fans next month.

The vaccine passport trial program will be used to iron out issues with vaccine passports and staff training.

Industry Support Minister Martin Pakula says it will help inform decisions around reopening in other areas.

“This is a really important step on the path to us becoming an open, vaccinated economy. We need these trials to ensure we understand all of the potential issues that may arise,” he said.

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