The Victorian government has announced work from home recommendations have been lifted, with workers being encouraged to return to the office.
Introduced to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the health system, the Department of Health said the pressure and transmission risk had now reduced.
On Thursday, Victoria recorded 2,645 new COVID-19 cases and 18 deaths.
The announcement came on the back of a national cabinet decision to reduce the isolation period for COVID-positive people from seven to five days.
Health authorities said employers and employees might still consider remote-working arrangements based on individual requirements.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the decision to roll back the recommendations came in part due to falling case numbers and warmer weather.
"With spring now here and case numbers and hospitalisations declining significantly, more people may want to get back into the office and back out to the cafes, shops and bars in busy professional precincts across the state," Ms Thomas said.
"Lifting the work from home recommendation is in line with current public health advice — we encourage employers and employees to have a conversation about what's right for their individual needs."
Face masks will still need to be worn on public transport, despite no longer being required on domestic flights.
The government will also cease publishing daily COVID updates from the Chief Health Officer, instead moving to weekly updates from September 7.
Daily COVID-19 data will continue to be published on Twitter and on the Department of Health website.
Premier Daniel Andrews has requested that the pandemic declaration should remain until at least October 12, with new health advice to be sought closer to the date.
Business leaders applaud end of 'winter hibernation'
Head of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Paul Guerra, said the announcement was a good thing for all Victorians.
"It's a strong signal that the worst of this COVID phase has now passed," Mr Guerra said.
"We still have to take responsibility as we've done over the past couple of months but we should be able to get back to the life we want to be living, in both our social world but also our business world as well."
Mr Guerra said the return to the office would provide a much needed boost to business precincts across the state.
"We know it's much needed in areas like the Melbourne CBD, the Geelong CBD and the Bendigo CBD, in fact most of the major office parts around the state," he said.
Calling attention to worker shortages across Victoria, Mr Guerra said the return to office working would be a collaborative effort in every workplace.
"I think this is the time for employers and employees to come together again," he said.
"It’s going to be a negotiation with every separate business. We encourage leaders to do it and we encourage employees to lean in as well.
"Let’s take this opportunity to step out of the winter hibernation and get back doing the things we love."
