The information contained in this article is correct at the time of writing (9 November 2020).
Melburnians have enjoyed 10 consecutive “double doughnut days” – where no new COVID-19 cases and zero deaths have been detected.
As a result of these excellent numbers, metropolitan Melbourne joined regional Victoria in the Third Step of the Roadmap as of 11.59pm on Sunday 8 November 2020.
From a workplace perspective, what restrictions have eased?
The state of Victoria will become one again, with the removal of the “ring of steel” around metropolitan Melbourne and the removal of the 25km travel limit. This means that there will be no restrictions on travel between regional Victoria and Melbourne.
With the removal of the travel restrictions, there is no longer any requirement to hold a Worker Permit.
The workforce capacity restrictions in the meat, seafood and poultry processing sectors have been removed as well as the restrictions on carpooling.
However, there have been no changes to the requirement to wear face masks, including in the workplace. People who can work from home are still required to work from home unless it is not reasonably practicable for them to do so.
It is expected that Victoria will move to the Last Step in the Roadmap from 11.59pm Sunday 22 November 2020.
Employers are encouraged to read the Workplace Directions (No 9) and the Workplace (Additional Industry Obligations) Directions (No 11) (which apply in high-risk workplaces) for detailed information or call the Ai Group Workplace Advice Line.
Information on the lifting of social and business restrictions are available at the links below.
Where to find more information
Coronavirus (COVID-19) reopening roadmap: Third Step - Victoria
Updated restrictions applicable from 11.59 Sunday 8 November 2020
General business FAQs – metropolitan Melbourne
General business FAQs – regional Victoria
Further advice or assistance
For further advice or assistance on this topic or any other workplace relations matter, contact the Ai Group Workplace Advice Line.
Call 1300 862 217 8.30am – 5.15pm AEST Mon-Fri
Email Eplusworkplace@aigroup.com.au