Dear industry stakeholders
Following on from our update last Thursday, Victoria continues to report coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and public exposure locations requiring several changes to COVIDSafe Summer arrangements.
Returning to offices: the previously announced increase of the current return to work cap - to 25 per cent for public service workers and 50 per cent for other office workers on January 11 - has been paused for one week, based on the latest public health advice. This decision will be reviewed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) public health team and further updates provided when available.
As of Thursday 31 December 2020, the following restrictions apply in Victoria:
- The limit of people gathering in the home has been reduced to 15 from 30.
- Face masks must be worn when in indoor spaces (other than private residences), on public transport, and in commercial passenger vehicles, apart from when eating or drinking, unless a lawful reason not to wear one applies. Masks are strongly recommended in the home if people other than your immediate household are present.
In addition, from 11.59pm on 1 January 2021, Victoria closed its border with New South Wales. All existing border permits issued before this time are revoked and new permits must be applied for. Those living in our border communities will continue to be able to access the 'border bubble'– using their driver's license to prove their residential address. More details on these arrangements, and the system for those in other jurisdictions who need to travel through NSW to return to Victoria, will be made available shortly. Existing provisions for freight, domestic air crews, those exiting mandatory quarantine, medical care and emergency services will remain the same. For the latest information please go to
www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/new-restrictions-border-closure-nsw
We ask that you continue to engage your industry networks to encourage all businesses to have an active COVIDSafe Plan.
New posters are available to help businesses share this important information, including face mask requirements, with workers and customers. You can download, print and display these in your business. These are available here: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/signs-posters-and-templates
New social media material with the latest advice on face masks is now available for you to share with Victorian businesses by email, social media or through messaging apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, Messenger and others. Please also share the following linked posts on your social media channels:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Public transport updates are available here: www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/coronavirus-covid-19. We strongly encourage Victorians to register your myki so that we can contact you if you have been exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19) on a public transport service. Register your myki now - it's quick and easy.
Record keeping - The Victorian Government QR Code Service is free for all Victorian businesses, organisations, clubs and events. These records help contact tracers in the event a positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) is identified.
We will continue to provide email updates and convene online meetings to discuss changes that impact industry.
Please remember you can find more information at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au or by calling Business Victoria on 13 22 15
Kind regards,
Industry Coordination and Recovery
Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions
djpr.vic.gov.au