Swimming lessons now allowed for the unvaccinated, but Warrnambool's multi-use facilities assessing how it affects them

When the Victorian government rolled back restrictions last Thursday, it caused confusion when overnight children aged 12 to 15 were effectively prevented from entering shops and other venues such as swimming pools if they hadn't yet been vaccinated.

Warrnambool swim school operators had sought clarity from the government last month on what the rules would be for children in that age group, but the response from the department at the time was that it would be made clearer as the state got closer to the 90 per cent double dose vaccination target.

"Information on vaccine requirements for swimming lessons, and other settings not outlined in the roadmap, will be provided when Victoria gets closer to the 90 per cent double dose target," it had said.

In line with the recent changes, a statement on the council-run AquaZone facility on its Facebook page says all children over 12 and two months need to show proof of double vaccination to enter.

But the government, in response to questions about 12 to 15-year-olds, on Wednesday clarified that anyone can actually participate in swimming lessons.

"Anyone, regardless of vaccination status, can participate in a swimming lesson conducted by someone with a current Swimming and Water Safety Teacher Accreditation," a spokesperson from the Department of Health said.

"An unvaccinated parent, guardian or carer CAN accompany a person participating in a swimming lesson."

However, the government also said unvaccinated people aged 12 and two months and above could not enter public or privately run swimming pools for recreational purposes.

Vaccination requirements also do not apply to children and adults involved in community sport, even if the training or game is happening at a venue where vaccination requirements ordinarily apply, such as a gym or recreational centre, the department said.

"Amateur or community leagues choosing to impose vaccination requirements among participants is a matter for them," the spokesperson said.

The Standard has sought clarification on how the rules will be implemented at council-run facilities that are multi use.

The council said it was constantly reviewing the operations of its recreation and culture venues as new advice is received from the Victorian Government.

"Council is now considering the recent 'open premises' direction from the Chief Health Officer and how this is will be applied to Council venues," a council spokesperson said.

The health department spokesperson said: "some exceptions to Victoria's vaccine requirements exist in certain situations, but there is no exception to getting COVID-19".

"It can happen to anyone, and getting vaccinated provides the best protection against the risk of serious illness and going to hospital."

As for unvaccinated children visiting shops for things such as to get school shoes fitted, the department said that only goods and services received through a medical provider such a podiatrist of physiotherapist do not have vaccination requirements.

"Vaccination requirements are in place for general retail, such as shoe shops and toy stores, for those over 12 years and two months," the department said.

Unvaccinated children aged 12 and two months and over will only be allowed to click and collect at the library, unless they are on a school excursion.

This week, the government also rolled back requirements on schools which would have effectively single out unvaccinated children and exclude them from end-of-year celebrations and excursions.

The government said unvaccinated students would be allowed to attend camps, excursions, graduations and other school-based activities that are organised by their school, even if they are held at premises where vaccination requirements apply.

"People aged 12 to 15 have been eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine since 13 September," the department said.

"Victoria's Roadmap was released on 19 September - with initial venue-based vaccination requirements applying only for children aged 16 and over to give more time for those aged 12 to 15 to get fully vaccinated.

"Since 18 November, the requirements now apply for people 12 and up.

"However, a further two-month grace period now applies from when a child turns 12 years old, to allow parents of children who have just become eligible enough time to arrange full vaccination."

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