NSW and Victoria scrap MULTIPLE Covid rules

Victoria and NSW have eased a raft of Covid restrictions as the nation's two most populous states press on with their transitions to a Covid norm.

Victoria will scrap its vaccine mandate for public venues from Friday while close contacts will no longer need to isolate, the state's health minister Martin Foley confirmed.

"The Omicron wave is starting to subside," he told reporters on Wednesday.

People will not need to show proof of vaccination to enter venues nor will those who are close contacts of Covid positive people need to isolate, Mr Foley said.

Martin Foley announced a major change in Covid measures on Wednesday. Source: ABC
Martin Foley announced a major change in Covid measures on Wednesday. Source: ABC

An emphasis will instead be placed on testing and masking for close contacts. They must also return five negative rapid antigen tests over the seven-day period.

Masks will also no longer be required in primary schools, early childhood settings or retail settings.

Victoria reported 10,628 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, with Mr Foley saying cases were now stabilising.

NSW scraps isolation rules for close contacts

NSW premier Dominic Perrottet has also announced changes to a raft of Covid rules in his state as he relaxes rules in response to calls from the business community.

NSW will also no longer require household close contacts to isolate for seven days.

"I was speaking to many local businesses here this morning in Penrith and they spoke about the importance of staying open," he told reporters.

"We had a very strong health response in the state and want to emphasise that obviously the pandemic is not over, there is a long way to go."

Green dots advising social distancing requirements on transport will also be removed.

Daily Covid-19 cases have dropped below 10,000 just twice since March 8 in the state.

Mr Perrottet said the state was also begin to phase out hotel quarantine.

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