Health Minister explains why Victoria’s COVID-19 rules were tightened

Victoria’s Health Minister says the decision to tighten the state’s COVID-19 rules was due to concern about the Omicron variant.

Martin Foley told 3AW Drive it was a precautionary measure for the time being.

“The whole idea is to buy us some time until we figure just what are the implications of the Omicron variant,” he said.

He also detailed the penalties for breaching the mask mandate, telling Heidi Murphy fines ranged from $100 to $1000 under the new pandemic legislation.

“I hope we don’t have to fine anybody,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear Heidi Murphy question the Health Minister

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