Victorian COVID Update

Here we go again. As of 11:59 pm tonight (Thursday, 27 May 2021) the entire state of Victoria will enter 7 Day Circuit Breaker Restrictions.

For the next seven days there are only five reasons for you to leave home. They include:

  1. Getting food and supplies.
  2. Authorised work.
  3. Care and caregiving.
  4. Exercise for up to two hours each day with one other person.
  5. Getting vaccinated.

Exercise and shopping will be limited to five kilometres from home. Shopping is also limited to one person per day, per household. Face masks will also need to be worn inside and outdoors – everywhere except your own home.

And now for the million dollar question – what is considered authorised work?

I have taken the following excepts from the 7 Day Circuit Breaker Restrictions document published by the Victorian Government.

7 Day Circuit Breaker Restrictions PDF

The following businesses can open under circuit breaker restrictions and if they are unable to work from home they can leave home to attend work:

  • Construction

An authorised worker is any person who performs work that is essential for the continued operation of:

  • Building and construction services
  • All manufacturing
  • Essential infrastructure and essential services that are required to maintain or protect human health, safety and wellbeing (whether provided by a public or private undertaking), and including construction, maintenance and repair of such infrastructure.
  • Critical repairs to any premises where required for emergency or safety

So after confirming with the Business Victoria hotline today I believe we can continue working as usual - as long as we all wear masks at all times. At this stage Business Victoria advised that work in residential homes is allowed under the bullet point, “Essential infrastructure and essential services that are required to maintain or protect human health, safety and wellbeing (whether provided by a public or private undertaking), and including construction, maintenance and repair of such infrastructure” and so can continue with masks, COVID Safe Plans and correct social distancing measures in place. You also need to ensure that you have the minimum number of staff required to safely complete the job attending a residential home.

It is of course possible that things may change at any time so I will of course keep you informed if anything changes. At this stage work permits are not required though please ensure you continue to keep records of staff and visitor attendance at your workplace.

Please look after each other. Take care and stay safe. We will get through this together.

If there is anything we can do to help please do not hesitate to contact Melissa Baker, National Training and Safety Manager, directly on 02 9498 2768 extension 409 or by email.