A reminder again how quickly things can develop during this pandemic. To keep our members informed, SIV has provided a summary of state and Federal support available to industry with links to key information. Please appreciate that this is a rapidly evolving situation so the information contained is based on what is current and will be updated as more information is released.
COVID-19 Update With Victoria having passed the peak of the latest Omicron wave, and Victoria’s high vaccination rates, today Minister Foley announced the following changes to the Orders from 11.59pm Friday 22 April:
Patrons won’t be required to have two doses or show their vaccination status before entering any venue
The requirement for staff and patrons of venues to check-in using the Service Victoria app will end, with operators not required to keep any attendance records or maintain a check-in marshal
Masks will no longer be required in primary schools, early childhood, hospitality and retail settings, or at events of any size
Close contacts will no longer have to quarantine – provided they wear a mask indoors and avoid sensitive settings. They will also need to undertake at least five negative rapid tests over the seven days that would previously have been the self-quarantine period
All visitor restrictions in hospitals will be removed except for mask requirements, with health services able to tailor their own settings based on their own circumstances
Events with more than 30,000 people will no longer require public health pre-approval
International travelers who are symptom-free will be recommended but not required to get a PCR or rapid test on arrival, and unvaccinated travelers will no longer complete 7 days’ quarantine. Pre-departure tests for unvaccinated air crew will also be lifted
People are exempt from testing or quarantine for 12 weeks if they’ve had COVID-19 – up from 8 weeks
Individuals will be required to notify their workplace contacts, in addition to informing their social contacts. Workplaces won’t have to individually identify and notify each potentially exposed worker, but are still required to make a general notification to employees of the COVID-19 case
A number of critical and common-sense settings will be retained, including the essential requirement to isolate for seven days following a COVID-19 diagnosis and existing two-dose and three-dose vaccination mandates for workers. Visitor restrictions in care facilities will be retained to protect the vulnerable. Residents can currently have up to five visitors per day if each show a negative rapid antigen test result – or two visitors if no test results are provided. Face coverings will still be required on public transport and at airports – excluding airport workers who aren’t public facing – and in sensitive health, aged care and justice settings. All workplaces will still require aCOVIDSafe Plan.
Many rules which are no longer required will be recommended, including working from home if you're a close contact exempt from quarantine. Masks are strongly recommended when you can’t physically distance. Victoria continues to monitor epidemiological conditions and work with other jurisdictions and to ensure COVID settings are aligned. For more information about these changes and to download the media release, please see: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/high-vax-rate-means-most-restrictions-can-safely-ease Important information for businesses Every business has an important role to play. It’s critical for businesses and industry to continue to be COVIDSafe and comply with restrictions.
The Victorian Government is offering a free support service for small to medium businesses to ensure your COVIDSafe Plan is up to date and reflects current COVIDSafe Settings. To attend one of the information forums, email covidsafeplanreview@ecodev.vic.gov.au.
Contact management tool An online tool has been developed to help businesses manage a positive COVID-19 case in the workplace. The tool measures potential exposure risk and provides instant advice on steps to protect workers and customers. Businesses are asked up to six questions. The tool is in addition to information and advice at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/case-workplace.
Contact management information What do businesses need to do?
If a worker tests positive for COVID-19, direct them to stay home and isolate for seven days from the day they were tested. If they used a rapid antigen test, they must report the result to the Department of Health onlineor by calling 1800 675 398.
There is no longer a requirement to notify WorkSafe of a positive case in the workplace. Businesses do not need to inform customers about a positive case or conduct a deep clean of the premises.
Financial and other support for COVID-19 There are a variety of financial support packages for people and businesses impacted by COVID-19 including financial, job and business support.
Stay COVIDSafe Wear your mask correctly – covering your mouth and nose Get tested immediately if you are ill When open, make sure everyone checks in everywhere, every time Update your COVIDSafe Plan Support your workers to get vaccinated when they’re eligible.