The Victorian state government of Australia has announced an ease to mask restrictions and work from home recommendations from Feb. 25, citing declining COVID-19 hospitalisation rates and increasing third-dose vaccination rates. Masks will still be required at indoor setting for students in Year 3 and above and for early learning workers, staff in transport, medical environments, as well as workers in hospitality, retail, the court system, correctional facilities and large events with more than 30,000 people. Elective surgeries are also expected to resume with capacity based on staff availability and COVID-19 demands for public hospitals, whilst private hospitals are expected to resume to pre-pandemic activity for elective surgeries. Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said on Feb. 22 that the state is “proud” to be supporting the COVID-19 vaccine program by “delivering more vaccines than any other state or territory and focusing on the Victorians who needed additional access and support.” “Victorians …