Current Advice for Victoria

 

Previously, changes to pandemic orders came into effect at 11.59pm Friday 24 June, 2022. These include:

•  Third dose vaccination mandates in education (except specialist teachers) sectors are lifted.
• Workers who interact with a vulnerable person will still require three COVID-19 vaccine doses. These workers include: residential aged care and disability care, specialist teachers, healthcare, and custodial and emergency services, including police.
• Rules requiring general workers to work from home unless they are double-vaccinated are lifted. Employers will still be able to set their own workplace conditions.
• Masks are also still required in sensitive settings such as hospitals and care facilities.

Previously, the Victorian Government has announced that most COVID-19 restrictions will be removed from 11:59pm, Friday 22 April 2022. Changes will include:

Vaccination and check in

• 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 COVID-19 Check-in Marshal.
• The existing two-dose and three-dose vaccination mandates for workers are still required.

Face masks

• Face masks will no longer be required in hospitality and retail settings, or at events of any size.
• Face masks will still be required on public transport and at airports and in sensitive settings.

Quarantine and isolation

• Close contacts will no longer have to quarantine – provided they wear a face 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.
• The requirement to isolate for seven days following a COVID-19 diagnosis remains.

Workplace contacts

• 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.
• It is recommended to work from home if you’re a close contact exempt from quarantine.

COVIDSafe Plans are still required in all workplaces.

 

Previously, from 11:59pm on Friday 25 February 2022.

• The recommendation for Victorians to work or study from home will be removed.
• Face masks will no longer be needed in most indoor settings.
• Face masks will still be required indoors in some settings including, unless an exemption applies:
  • Workers in an indoor space that is a publicly accessible area of a healthcare facility, including at an allied health facility.
  • Workers performing a resident-facing role in an indoor space at a care facility, including when not interacting with residents.
  • While visiting a hospital, care facility or any other indoor space that is a publicly accessible area in a healthcare setting, including allied health settings.

Wearing a mask is strongly recommend if you:

• can’t physically distance, this includes outdoor settings
• have any COVID-19 symptoms
• are with people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19, or
• are a customer-facing worker not otherwise required to wear a face mask.

 

Previously, summary of restrictions for Physical recreational facilities:

• Open – a density quotient does not apply.
• Most workers (including contractors, volunteers and students on placement) are required to show evidence of their vaccination status to their employer in order to continue working outside their home.
• Businesses with on-site operations (including home-based businesses) must have a COVIDSafe Plan. The COVIDSafe Plan supports a business to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and should be regularly reviewed to ensure it is current.
• Businesses must use the Victorian Government QR Code Service to check-in their workers, customers and visitors, with some limited exceptions.
• Wearing a mask is required for everyone aged 8 and above in all indoor settings in Victoria (unless an exception applies). Face masks – when to wear a face mask.

 

The 12 February 2022 deadline for workers in key sectors to have received their COVID-19 third dose vaccination, will be extended by four weeks. For more information visit Worker vaccination requirements.

Sector Guidance for Pilates & indoor recreation

New COVIDSafe Plan template

A new COVIDSafe Plan template is now available to help you reduce the risk of COVID-19. It is mandatory for all businesses to have a COVIDSafe Plan. For more information visit COVIDSafe Plan

COVIDSafe Plan forums and workshops

The Victorian Government is offering a free support service for small to medium businesses to ensure your COVIDSafe Plan is up to date. To attend, 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 is in addition to information and advice at Case in the workplace.

 

From 11:59 pm 12 January, if a worker who has tested positive for COVID-19 and worked indoors in the work premise during their infectious period, they must inform their workplace as soon as possible.

Once employers are aware of a case of COVID-19 at the workplace, they must:

As soon as possible

1. Direct the worker to return home and self-isolate for 7 days after the date they were tested (if they are on site), even if they don’t have symptoms. If the worker is unable to return home immediately, direct the worker to isolate themselves at the workplace and, while doing so, to wear a face mask and remain at least 1.5 metres from any other person.
2. Identify workplace contacts using the Contact assessment and management matrix from the Contact Management Guidance for Workplaces, Business and Industry to assist you.
   Contact assessment management guidance for workplaces, business and industry
   pdf 196.45 KB | Updated: 21 January 2022
3. Contact the workplace contacts and inform them that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 and inform them that they must use a rapid antigen test (or a PCR test if they can’t access a rapid antigen test) if they have symptoms, and recommend they use rapid antigen tests daily for 5 days if they don’t have symptoms.
4. Inform all workers (including health and safety representatives) to be vigilant about the onset of COVID-19 symptoms and advise all workers to use a rapid antigen test (or a PCR test if they can’t access a rapid antigen test) if they have symptoms.
5. Put in place appropriate control and/or risk management measures to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 at the workplace. For example, increase the use and enforcement of PPE (such as face masks) and physical distancing.
6. If there has been 5 or more cases within a 7-day period, you are required to notify the department via the COVID-19 outbreak notification form.

In some situations, such as if there is an outbreak, the Department of Health or a Local Public Health Unit may contact you to provide special advice which your staff will be required to follow.

You are not required to deep clean your place of business but must follow routine cleaning to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

For more information, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) cleaning guidelines for workplaces

Further information on finding a case in the workplace.

 

Previously, The Victorian Government has announced changes to the pandemic orders to come into effect from 11:59pm on Wednesday 12 January 2022:  

Vaccination Requirements in Key Sectors  

• Workers in key sectors who are already required to be fully vaccinated must get their third dose before being permitted to work onsite. This applies to workers in healthcare, aged care, disability services, emergency services, correctional facilities, quarantine accommodation and food distribution.

Workers eligible for a third dose on or before Wednesday 12 January will have until Saturday 12 February to get their third dose.

Workers not yet eligible for a third dose will be required to get it within three months and two weeks of the deadline to receiving their second mandatory dose.

 

Previously, from 11:59pm 23 December 2021, face masks will return indoors (except in the home) for people aged eight and over.

Face masks must be worn:

• in all indoor settings

A face mask is not mandatory while engaged in any strenuous physical exercise such as running or cycling.

The following COVIDSafe Settings continue to apply to keep our community and workplaces safe:

• check in everywhere, every time
• review and update your COVIDSafe Plan regularly to make sure you comply with current requirements, and always keep a copy onsite
• notify the Department of Health and WorkSafe if you have a confirmed case in the workplace.

Those who want to be as COVIDSafe as possible are strongly encouraged to work from home.

Improving indoor air quality can reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace.

 

Previously, from 11.59pm, Wednesday 15 December and will be in place until 11.59pm on 12 January 2022.

The changes include:

• gyms will not need to clean equipment between users.

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/sport-exercise-and-physical-recreation-services-sector-guidance

From 15 October 2021, in order to work onsite at a work premises, you must be able to provide evidence to your employer that you have:

• received at least your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, or
• have a booking to receive your first dose by 22 October 2021, or
• have a medical exemption evidenced by an authorised medical practitioner

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/information-workers-required-to-be-vaccinated – (includes FAQs)

This means that from 22 October 2021 onwards, you need to have received at least your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (unless you have a medical exemption) to attend work.
From 26 November 2021, you will also be required to provide evidence to your employer that you have received your second dose (unless you have a medical exemption) to attend work.
A work premises is anywhere you are required to be for your work outside the home (for example, a real estate work premises would include a home inspection, not just head office).
If you are working at or in any of the industries or facilities below, these requirements apply to you – including if you are:

• an employee
• a contractor (engaged by the employer or a third party)
• a volunteer
• a student on placement.

These requirements apply statewide.

 

Healthcare settings
From 15 October 2021, in order to work in a healthcare setting, you must be able to provide evidence to your employer that you:

• are fully vaccinated with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, or
• haven’t received any doses but have a booking to receive your first dose by 29 October 2021, or
• have a medical exemption evidenced by an authorised medical practitioner

 

Previously, from 11.59pm Sunday 26 September the Chief Health Officer has advised that the City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast Shire can exit lockdown.

The following freedoms will return to Victorians on Tuesday 28 September at 11:59pm:

• Outdoor venue cap for regional Victoria will increase from 20 to 30
• Outdoor recreation will return in Metropolitan Melbourne including tennis, boating and golf under capacity limits
• Melbourne’s 10km travel limit will be increased to 15km
• Outdoor personal training will also be permitted for up to five vaccinated residents and one vaccinated trainer

 

Previously, from 11.59pm Friday, 17 September, there will be some modest easing of restrictions in lockdown areas of metropolitan Melbourne and Ballarat:

• one person may meet another person not from their household for a picnic, a walk, or another outdoor activity.
• Additionally, up to five adults (plus dependents) from two households will be able to gather outdoors if all adults present have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• The time permitted for exercise – and now outdoor social interaction – will increase from two hours a day to four hours.
• The distance you can leave home for shopping for necessary goods and services, exercise and outdoor social interaction will increase from 5 km to 10 km.

As part of further changes to exercise, two people will now be able to train outdoors with a personal trainer and up to five people will be able to attend a physical recreation facility to broadcast a performance or class.

From 11.59pm tomorrow night, there will also be some changes to COVIDSafe settings in regional Victoria – excluding the City of Ballarat.

In regional Victoria, gyms and outdoor and indoor pools (excluding spas, saunas and steam rooms) will reopen with limits.

 

Previously, from 11.59pm on Thursday 9 September- in regional Victoria, the five reasons to leave the home will be removed , except for Greater Shepparton. There will be no limit on the distance regional Victorians can travel from home – other than restrictions on entry to metropolitan Melbourne.

• Gyms and indoor recreation will remain closed.

 

From 11:59pm Thursday 2 September, some restrictions across Victoria change:

Changes have been introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people leaving their homes and moving around Victoria.

You cannot leave your home other than for one of the five following reasons:

• shopping for necessary goods and services
• caregiving or compassionate reasons, including medical care or to get a COVID-19 test
• authorised work (with a permit) or permitted education
• exercise (once a day for 2 hours)
• to get a COVID-19 vaccination (provided the distance travelled, and the time taken is no more than is absolutely necessary).

A stay-at-home curfew is in place for Metropolitan Melbourne. Between 9:00pm and 5:00am, you cannot leave your home (or the home of your intimate partner or bubble buddy) other than for limited reasons, including:

• authorised work
• health and medical purposes
• care and support of a child or someone with special needs
• in an emergency or to escape harm.

Metropolitan Melbourne consists of the following Local Government Areas (LGAs):

Banyule, Bayside, Boroondara, Brimbank, Cardinia, Casey, Darebin, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Dandenong, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Kingston, Knox, Manningham, Maribyrnong, Maroondah, Melbourne, Melton, Monash, Moonee Valley, Moreland, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Whitehorse, Whittlesea, Wyndham (except Little River), Yarra City, Yarra Ranges.

If you are in Regional Victoria, the curfew does not apply. If you travel to metropolitan Melbourne from regional Victoria for a permitted reason, you will be required to adhere to the curfew whilst you are in metropolitan Melbourne.

 

Previously, from 1pm, Saturday 21 August, lockdown extended to Regional Victoria.

All metropolitan Melbourne restrictions – excluding the curfew – will be implemented across Regional Victoria until 11:59pm Thursday, 2 September.

For an overview of the restrictions, see the Table of Restrictions

 

From 11:59pm Monday 09 August, lockdown will lift in Regional Victoria. Businesses in regional Victoria will be required to check the address of anybody in their premises.

Indoor recreation can reopen with a density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm. Masks are still mandatory.

From 8:00pm, Thursday 5 August 2021, the Victorian Government has announced that Victoria will enter a state-wide lockdown for seven days .

There are only five reasons to leave home:

• getting the food and the supplies you need
• exercising for up to two hours
• care or caregiving
• authorised work or education if you can’t do it from home
• getting vaccinated at the nearest possible location.

Face masks will remain mandatory indoors (not at home) and outdoors, including all workplaces, unless an exception applies.

 

From Tuesday 27 July, Victoria’s lockdown will lift at midnight tonight, ending the stay-at-home orders.

 

Previously, Tues 20 July: Lockdown now extended until midnight on July 27.

 

Previously, from 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 14 July 2021, if you are in Victoria:

• Face masks must be carried at all times and must be worn indoors, by anyone aged 12 years and over, unless an exception applies.
• Face masks must be worn outdoors where physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres cannot be maintained from others (except household members or intimate partners), for example, at a busy open-air market or a bus stop.

Lawful exceptions for wearing a mask (edited for exercise):

• Persons who have a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, which makes wearing a face covering unsuitable, including persons with obstructed breathing, a serious skin condition of the face, an intellectual disability, a mental health condition or persons who have experienced trauma.
• Persons communicating with those who are deaf or hard of hearing and visibility of the mouth is essential for communication.
• Persons for whom the nature of their work or education means that wearing a face mask creates a risk to health and safety.
• Persons for whom the nature of their work or education means that clear enunciation or visibility of their mouth is essential. This includes teaching, lecturing or live broadcasting.
• Professional sportspeople when training or competing.
• Persons who are engaged in any strenuous physical exercise such as running, jogging, swimming or cycling.

 

Previously, from 11.59pm Thursday 24 June, restrictions in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne will ease:

Metropolitan Melbourne open, subject to:

• a density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm
• Maximum venue capacity 300 people per indoor space and 1,000 people outdoors
• Maximum group size: 50 people
• Masks must still be worn inside

Regional Victoria open,subject to:

• a density quotient of 1 person per 2 sqm applies when using a COVID Check-in Marshal,
• otherwise density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies
• Masks must still be worn inside

Updated table of restrictions.

 

Previously, from 11.59pm Thursday 17 June, the 25km travel limit will be removed and travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria will resume.

• Physical recreation & sport: Open
• Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm
• Maximum venue capacity 150, including no more than 50 indoors
• No venue limit if 100m distance can be maintained between groups outdoors (e.g. golf).
• Maximum group size: 10 people indoors, 20 outdoors

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-acting-premier-4

 

Previously, from 11.59pm Thursday 27 May until 11.59pm on Thursday, June 3 Victoria will enter 7 day circuit breaker lockdown.

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-acting-premier-1

Indoor recreation, including Pilates, must close.

Victorians will only have five reasons to leave home: shopping for food and supplies, authorised work, care and caregiving, exercise with one other person for up to two hours and getting vaccinated.

• A five-kilometre travel radius will also be introduced.
• Shopping will be limited to one person per day, per household.
• Face masks will be required to be worn inside and outdoors everywhere.
• Private and public gatherings will not be permitted, although single bubbles and intimate partner visits will be allowed.

Previously, from 11.59pm  Wednesday 17 February, Victoria’s restrictions will be lifted with the following parameters:

• Sport and recreation centres can operate with a density quotient of 1 per 4sqm applies to each space.
• Gym and exercise classes limited to 50 people (excluding anyone necessary for running the class).
• COVID Marshals required when gyms are staffed. When gyms are unstaffed, a density quotient of 1 per 8 sqm applies.
• Signage must state the number of people permitted inside, wipes and disinfectant must be supplied for use by patrons, and record keeping is required.
• Venues with capacity of greater than 500 patrons must publish a COVIDSafe Plan online.
• Masks will be required everywhere indoors except at home.
• Masks will also be required outside if you can’t physically distance from others.

Link to table of restrictions: https://bit.ly/3quN4TP

Link to Premier’s announcement: https://bit.ly/2Zm6QFl

Previously, from 11.59pm Friday 12 February, new statewide restrictions come into effect.

 

Previously, from 11:59pm 3 February, new statewide restrictions come into effect

• Masks will be mandatory in public indoor spaces. Masks must be worn in indoor public spaces apart from when eating or drinking. If you are planning to leave your home – take a mask.
• The 75 per cent ‘return to work’ cap in both public and private sectors scheduled for Monday 8 February will be paused and the current cap of 50% will remain in place.

More updates, including updates to exposure sites and possible changes to public health directions, will be provided by VIC government throughout 04 February. Exposure sites are published on the Case locations and outbreaks page.

 

Previously, from 11:59pm on Sunday 17 January face masks will no longer be mandatory in most public indoor settings, including Gyms and Pilates studios.

• Face masks continue to be mandatory in airports, hospitals, large retail stores over 2000 sqm, shopping centres, indoor markets, in taxis and rideshares, on public transport, and on domestic flights to and from Victoria.
• You must carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home unless you have a  lawful reason not to.

It is strongly recommended you wear one whenever you cannot keep 1.5 metres distance from others.

 

Previously, from 5:00pm on Thursday 31 December 2020 new restrictions apply in Victoria:

• 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.
• A face mask is required when exercising indoors unless an exemption applies. You may remove your mask when exercising indoors where you are out of breath or puffing. You still need to carry a face mask with you at all times.
• Staggered class times are recommended, with a time gap of 15 minutes between sessions to avoid congregation or exceeding group limits.
• Ensure that the entry and exit or foyer areas do not become congested, people can maintain physical distancing and mixing of separate groups is minimised as much as possible

Industry Restart Guidelines for Physical Recreation

See the Premier’s statement for more details.

Directions will continue to be enforced through spot checks by Victoria Police and use of emergency powers by the Department of Health and Human Services Authorised Officers.

Non-compliance themes, across different industries, include:

• Not following density requirements.
• Not record keeping.
• Lack of signage.
• Lack of compliance with COVIDSafe Plans.
• Inadequate cleaning and hygiene procedures.

You can help play your part in staying safe and staying open by downloading, printing and displaying signage from https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/signs-posters-and-templates

 

Previously, from 11:59pm on Sunday, 6 December 2020 Victoria moves to COVIDSafe Summer restrictions.

Indoor physical recreation facilities (e.g. gyms, fitness centres and studios) COVIDSafe requirements:

• density quotient of 1 per 4sqm for all venues. The number of people allowed in a venue or space is defined by the size of the space.
• You must carry a face mask with you at all times, unless you have a lawful reason not to.
• It is recommended that you wear a face mask when exercising indoors where you can’t keep 1.5 metre distance from others  except where that exercise or physical activity leaves you short of breath or puffing.
• You do not need to wear a face mask when exercising outdoors.
• Classes limited to 50 patrons and electronic record keeping is recommended.
• COVID Marshals required when staffed.
• When unstaffed, a density quotient of 1 per 8sqm applies.
• Signage must state the number of people permitted inside, disinfectant must be supplied for use by patrons, and record keeping is required.

 

From 11:59pm on Sunday 22 November 2020

Metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria are now at the same position on the roadmap to reopening, with a summary of restrictions as they impact physical recreation and community sport below:

Indoor sport and recreation, including fitness centres and gyms:

• Patron cap of 150 people.
• Group limit of 20 people.
• Smaller venues can have a smaller number of people.
• Density quotient of 1 per 4 square metres
• Large multipurpose sporting facilities will be able to open with a 25 per cent total venue cap
• For classes, a group limit of 20 participants indoors, and 50 participants outdoors
•  Equipment must be cleaned between users.
• A face mask must be worn when exercising indoors except where that exercise or physical activity leaves you short of breath or puffing. Exercising indoors presents an additional risk of spreading the virus – that’s why it’s even more important to stay safe.
• Facilities must have a COVID marshal.
• Communal change rooms, showers and toilets can open.
• While exercising you should keep at least 1.5 metres distance between yourself and others.

Further information, including FAQs, will also be available under recreation services sector guidance on the Coronavirus Victoria website soon.

Previously, additional details for REGIONAL VICTORIA from 11:59pm on Tuesday 27 October:

Taken from: Restricted Activity Directions, Non-Melbourne No.10

a person who owns, controls or operates a facility under subclause (2)(a) (indoor sport or physical recreational facility) or (2)(c)(personal training facility) in the Relevant Area may operate that facility for the purpose of indoor physical recreation use by members of the public aged 19 years and older if:
(a) the number of members of the public permitted in each indoor space and in each group, class or session at any time is limited to the lesser of:

(i) the number calculated by dividing the total publicly accessible area of the indoor space (measured in square metres) by 8; and
(ii) 10; and

(b) the number of members of the public permitted in the facility at any time is limited to the lesser of:

(i) the number calculated by dividing the aggregate publicly accessible area of all indoor spaces in the facility (measured in square metres) by 8; and
(ii) 20; and

(c) the space available is suitable to ensure members of the public are reasonably capable of maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres from each other; and
(d) if any shared equipment is to be used, it must be cleaned between each user; and
(e) there is no physical contact, other than in an emergency, between a member of the public and any other person otherwise permitted to attend the facility; and
(f) only one class or session commences at a given time and that time is at least 15 minutes after any other class or session has commenced; and
(g) the facility has a COVID Marshal onsite during the operating hours of the facility; and
(h) the person complies with the records requirement and the restricted area requirement.

Announcement on Sunday 25 October

Regional Victoria only: As part of the Third Step and from 11:59pm on Tuesday 27 October, indoor gyms and fitness spaces will be able to open for up to 20 people, with a maximum of ten per space and a density of one person per 8 square metres.

Indoor non-contact fitness (including gyms) to resume with:

• density quotient of 1 per 8 sqm and patron cap of 10 per space (max 10 per group/class), cap of 20 per venue
• COVIDSafe practices
• Indoor physical recreation businesses to only provide services to patrons from regional Victoria until settings in metropolitan Melbourne are aligned with regional Victoria. Businesses must use reasonable endeavours to check the place of residence of patron

25 Oct 2020 Regional Victoria Easing Restrictions.pdf

From 11:59pm on 27 SEPTEMBER:

Metro Melbourne –

• The curfew will be lifted in Metropolitan Melbourne from 5am on Monday 28 September.
• A personal trainer can exercise outdoors with a maximum of two clients. Physical distancing and cleaning requirements apply (no shared equipment). This must be in a public outdoor space, and does not apply to people’s backyards or outdoor spaces connected to a home (check with local council for permission to use the space).
• When you leave home, you must use a face mask, unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so.

From 11.59pm 16 September, Regional Victoria will move to the third step out of lockdown restrictions. See INDUSTRY RESTART GUIDELINES

• Indoor physical recreation streaming/recording of classes only, up to five people permitted. The only other reasons that you may visit your indoor workplace are to:
  • ensure the facility is closed safely
  • support workers who are working from home (i.e. organising I.T. equipment to be delivered to their home)
  • carry out emergency maintenance
  • respond to an emergency or as otherwise required by law.
• Outdoor activity with participant cap of 10 people (not including instructor/trainer). Density quotient applies.
• Shared equipment must not be provided, unless required for safety reasons (for example, safety equipment for swimming pools). Participants should supply their own equipment.

 

Previously, from 11:59pm 13 September, some restrictions will be eased across Victoria.

Regional Victoria and Melbourne Metro each have their own roadmaps, relating to how many active cases are currently in the community.

Summary of Steps towards COVID Normal

First Step (link)

Regional Victoria
First step only applies to Metro Melbourne.

Metro Melbourne (11:59pm 13 September)
Expanded social interaction.

Second Step (link)

Regional Victoria (11:59pm 13 September)
Social bubbles, visitors and staged return of education.

Metro Melbourne (28 September subject to trigger points and public health advice)
Social bubbles, phased return of some workforces and education.

Third Step (link)

Regional Victoria (11.59pm 16 September)
Increased reopening for sport, recreation, ceremonies and special occasions.

Metro Melbourne (Timing subject to trigger points and public health advice)
Major industries return, increased reopening for education, sport, recreation, ceremonies and special occasions.

Last Step (link)

Statewide (As soon as trigger points/thresholds are met, and public health advice allows)
Increased numbers for gatherings and hospitality.

COVID Normal (link)

Statewide (subject to trigger points and public health advice)
No restrictions for gatherings, visitors, hospitality or sport.

Roadmaps by region

Metropolitan Melbourne roadmap

Regional Victoria roadmap

 

Previously: Stage 4 restrictions for Melbourne and Stage 3 restrictions for regional Victoria.

Announcement made 3pm, Sunday 2 August 2020

In Melbourne, a curfew will be in place from 8pm Sunday 2 August 2020. Curfews will be in operation from 8pm to 5am every evening. People are only allowed to leave their house for work and essential health, care or safety reasons.

Outside of these hours, you are only allowed to leave your house for 1 of the following four reasons:

• To purchase food and necessary supplies. This must be done within a 5km radius from where you live. Only 1 person per household can leave for essential goods, and only once per day. For some people the nearest goods and services will be more than 5km away. In this situation you may travel beyond 5km to the nearest provider. If you are unable to leave home because it would mean leaving a young child or at-risk person at home unattended, then they may accompany you.
• Exercise once a day for up to 1 hour within a 5km radius of your home. Gathering sizes will be limited to 2. If you are unable to leave home because it would mean leaving a young child or at-risk person at home unattended, then they may accompany you.
• For care and health care including accompanying someone for essential medical care if you are a carer, guardian or necessary support person. The 5km limit does not apply to care or caregiving.
• Work. Study at TAFE and university must be done remotely. The 5km limit does not apply to work.

How far is 5km from your home? Check the interactive map

Regional Victoria including Mitchell Shire moves to Stage 3 restrictions

This means you must stay home except for the following four reasons:

• For food and essential supplies
• For study or work
• For care and healthcare
• And for exercise or outdoor recreation

When outside your home, you must wear a face covering.

No visitors are allowed at your home, and you are only allowed to gather with one person from outside your household in public.

 

From 11.59pm on Wednesday 22 July 2020

In line with advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, the Victorian Government has announced that if you live in metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire, you must wear a face covering when you leave your home.

If you live in metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire and need to travel outside these areas, your face covering will need to remain on for the entire time you’re there.

If you live outside metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, you’ll need to wear a face covering if you visit metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire.

It is also recommended that you wear one in your local area if you can’t keep 1.5 metres from others.

he State of Emergency in Victoria has been extended and will be in place until 11:59pm on Sunday 16 August 2020.

A return to Stay at Home restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire from 11:59pm on Wednesday 8 July 2020.

In line with advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, the Victorian Government has announced that metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions from 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 July 2020.

Activity, facility and venue restrictions have been reinstated in the Melbourne metropolitan area and the Shire of Mitchell:

• Indoor sports centres including gyms, training facilities and pools will be closed.
• Community sport training and competition cannot occur within the Melbourne metropolitan area or the Shire of Mitchell. If you live in this area you cannot participate in community sport elsewhere.
• Outdoor sport facilities will be closed, except for facilities where people can exercise with no more than one other person or members of your household while maintaining 1.5 metres distance. Equipment should not be shared, and communal facilities cannot open. Personal training outdoors can occur but with a limit of two participants plus the instructor.

Restrictions will be in place until 11:59pm on Wednesday 19 August 2020.

 

Update to announcement: 11:00am, 19 July 2020

In line with advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, the Victorian Government has announced that metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions from 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 July 2020.

This includes:

1. Banyule
2. Hume
3. Moreland
4. Bayside
5. Kingston
6. Mornington Peninsula
7. Boroondara
8. Knox
9. Nillumbik
10. Brimbank
11. Manningham
12. Port Phillip
13. Cardinia
14. Maribyrnong
15. Stonnington
16. Casey
17. Maroondah
18. Whitehorse
19. Darebin
20. Melbourne
21. Whittlesea
22. Frankston
23. Melton
24. Wyndham
25. Glen Eira
26. Monash
27. Yarra
28. Greater Dandenong
29. Moonee Valley
30. Yarra Ranges
31. Hobsons Bay
32. Mitchell Shire

In line with advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, the Victorian Government has announced that metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions from 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 July 2020.

Previously,   Update on restrictions for certain postcodes from 11.59pm on Saturday 4 July 2020

A further 2 Victorian postcodes returned to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions.

Postcode	Suburbs
3031	Flemington, Kensington
3051	North Melbourne

Return to Stage 3 for certain postcodes from 11.59pm on Wednesday 1 July 2020 (link to VIC Government notice)

Announcement made: 3.15pm, 30 June 2020

In line with advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, the Victorian Government has announced that a number of Victorian postcodes will return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions from 11.59pm on Wednesday 1 July 2020.

This decision was made in response to increasing evidence of significant community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) in these postcodes.

The affected postcodes and suburbs are:

If you live in one of the listed suburbs, there are only 4 reasons to leave home:

• Shopping for food and supplies
• Care and caregiving
• Exercise (outdoor exercise only, with only one other person or members of your household)
• Study and work – if you can’t do it from home

The businesses and facilities in these areas that have been able to reopen recently – including Pilates studios and gyms – will again be restricted.

If you live outside these locations, there’s only four reasons to come in: shopping for food and supplies, care and caregiving, exercise, and study or work – if you can’t do it from home.

Regular police patrols, both in these zones and outside them, will make sure people are abiding by the restrictions.

Restrictions will be in place until at least 29 July, 2020.

 

Previously, from 11:59pm on Sunday 21 June

Announcement made: 3pm, 20 June 2020

 

• Indoor sports centres and venues can open, with up to 20 people per space, with a limit of up to 10 people per group/activity at any one time for those aged over 18 years old.
• Changing rooms and showers can open for sporting and recreational facilities, including swimming pools.

 

To be introduced from 22 June, indoor sport & fitness with up to 20 people per separate enclosed space, 10 people per activity/group subject to the four square metre rule.

 

From 11:59pm on 21 June, indoor physical recreation venues, including gyms, can open with up to 20 people allowed per separate enclosed space.

Up to 10 people are allowed per group or activity, such as a Pilates or pump class, at any one time. The class instructor is not counted as part of the 10.

Venues with multiple separate enclosed spaces must ensure there are measures in place to limit close contact between patrons in shared spaces such as foyers and bathrooms.

Changes to these dates will be subject to the advice of the Chief Health Officer.

 

Currently in place since 31 May, outdoor activities are allowed with up to 20 people.

Under Stage one (from 11 May), the following is permitted:

• Gatherings of up to ten people for non-contact sport and recreation in public settings;
• Tai chi or yoga class outside – as long as you are in a group of no more than ten people plus the minimum number of people required to lead the class.

Under stage one, the following is prohibited:

1. A person who owns, controls or operates a physical recreational facility in Victoria must not operate that facility during the restricted activity period.
2. A physical recreational facility means any of the following, whether operated on a for profit or not-for-profit basis:
   1. a facility used predominantly for indoor physical recreation;

Examples: a gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga studio, barre and spin facility, sauna, bathhouse, wellness centre and health studio.

1. subject to subclause (6), an outdoor facility that is used for outdoor sport and recreation;
2. a personal training facility;
   personal training facility means a business the predominant activity of which is to provide personal training services.
3. a play centre or publicly accessible playground;
4. a skatepark; or
5. outdoor communal gym equipment.