This afternoon, the Victorian Government confirmed Melbourne will move out of lockdown and into the Third Step of Victoria’s roadmaps for reopening.
Under the Third Step, from 11:59pm on Tuesday 27 October 2020, the following changes will apply to businesses based in metropolitan Melbourne:
- Melbourne’s cafes, restaurants and pubs can reopen – outdoors with a limit of up to 50 people, and indoors with a limit of up to 20 people.
- Remaining retail can open.
- Beauty and personal care services can resume.
- Outdoor entertainment venues can begin hosting visitors.
- Density limits, record keeping and COVIDSafe Plans continue to apply to all businesses.
- For those businesses that need to get ready for their reopening – staff will be able to attend onsite immediately. These workers will not be required carry a Permitted Worker Permit.
- Workplaces will also no longer need to be on the permitted work list to open and the ability to work will change to “if you can work from home you must work from home”.
Restrictions remaining in place at this time
- The 25-kilometre limit will remain in place to limit the virus’s ability to travel.
- The border between regional Victoria and Melbourne will also remain in place. And while the boundary is in place, work permits will still be required for workers from Melbourne travelling into regional Victoria – and vice versa.
Looking ahead
From 8 November 2020, subject to case numbers, the following changes will occur:
- The 25-kilometre limit will come off.
- The border between the city and the rest of our state will also fall away. Melbourne and regional Victoria will be at the same level of restrictions.
- The capacity of pubs and restaurants will increase, with up to 40 people inside and 70 people outside.
- Religious gatherings will expand with up 20 people and a faith leader indoors, and 50 outside.
- Gyms and indoor fitness will be able to reopen – with some strict safety precautions in place.
- Accommodation will reopen.
For more detail on these changes, please see the Premier’s statement and summary of changes.
Keeping your workplace safe
Please be reminded that every business that is open in Victoria must have a COVIDSafe Plan and follow the six COVIDSafe principlesto help prevent future outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19).
A COVIDSafe Plan template is available to help businesses plan and take action to prevent the introduction of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace.
New guidance has also been developed for some sectors and will be available at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Businesses can also access a collection of signage, posters and questionnaires to assist in communicating key messages to workers and customers. Printing of these materials can be purchased through Officeworks.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) translated information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds is also available online for businesses and industry. Businesses can also call 13 22 15 and request a free translator.
Please share this information with your members and encourage them to communicate the important need for businesses and workers to understand their responsibilities in ensuring a COVIDSafe workplace.
To learn more about these changes and how to make your workplace COVIDSafe, please visit the coronavirus website.
Kind regards
Barbara Cullen
Director | Small Business Victoria | Jobs, Innovation and Business Engagement
Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions