News | 23 November

To: CCF Victoria staff, members and stakeholders.

Good morning.

Yesterday, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced the further easing of restrictions in Victoria from 11.59pm last night, Sunday 22 November 2020. The following is a high-level summary of some of the key changes and for more detail on these changes, please see the Summary of Last Step Restrictions.  

Victoria’s Last Step in the Roadmap for reopening – changes to how we live

From 11:59pm on Sunday 22 November:

  • The number of visitors to a home will increase from two to 15 per day. That can be split across different times as long as people are sticking to a total of 15.
  • Outdoor gatherings in a public place will increase to 50.
  • Weddings will increase to 150 people.
  • Funerals and religious ceremonies will increase to 150 people indoors.
  • Contact and non-contact sports can begin for adults as well as kids – 150 people indoors with a group size of up to 20 and 500 outdoors with groups of up to 50.
  • Masks will no longer be mandatory if outdoors and a safe distance can be kept, but Victorians will need to carry a mask at all times in case the situation changes. Masks still need to be worn when indoors and on public transport – and where distance cannot be kept.

Victoria’s Last Step in the Roadmap for reopening – changes to how we work

From 11:59pm on Sunday 22 November:

  • Hospitality sector changes will also come into place. For smaller hospitality venues, the density limit will change to one person for every two square metres – up to 50 customers indoors. QR code record keeping will be mandatory.
  • For bigger hospitality venues, the density limit will stay the same, but the cap will increase to 150 indoors. Total venue capacity (indoor and outdoor) will also rise to 300. 
  • Cinemas, galleries and museums will be able to host up to 150 people indoors.
  • Organisers will be able to apply to host a public event. Different requirements and rules will need to apply, depending on whether it’s a school fete or a major sporting match.

Please note, all patron numbers are subject to strict density limits. Updated information will be published soon in the relevant sector guidance pages on the Coronavirus website.

South Australian Border Permit Scheme

Following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Adelaide last week and the closure of the South Australian border, from last Saturday, 21 November 2020, everyone who travels to Victoria from South Australia will require a Victorian Border Crossing Permit.

I received a number of enquiries from civil contractors who travel regularly across the South Australian Border for work and while I am yet to receive any formal advice from DJPR, it was confirmed to me late Friday the following reasons for permitted entry:

  • if you are an emergency services worker or a worker providing essential services;
  • for agricultural work;
  • to receive medical care (including seeking coronavirus testing), obtain medical supplies or compassionate reasons;
  • to shop to obtain essential supplies;
  • Victoria Police will establish checkpoints on roads between South Australia and Victoria – a similar approach to what we saw around the perimeter of metropolitan Melbourne while travel restrictions were in place;
  • Please continue to check details on the DHHS website https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/information-people-travelling-sa-vic-covid-19 ;

Subsequent instructions have been issued over the weekend on the coronavirus.vic.gov.au website with the introduction of the Victoria / South Australia border closures:

  • The failure to present a valid permit at the border will mean you are not able to enter Victoria, except under listed exemptions or in an emergency.
  • The 70-kilometre cross border permit arrangements between Victoria and South Australia are still in place.
  • You can display your South Australian permit or your licence with an address within 70 kms. 
  • Failure to present a valid border permit will mean you are unable to enter Victoria as long as you have not visited a location in the red zone. Further details are available on the coronavirus.vic.gov.au website including the relevant zones.

Those who have visited a South Australia high risk exposure site will not be allowed to visit Victoria unless an exemption is granted by the Chief Health Officer. You may make an application for an exemption.  You can apply for a COVID-19 Border Entry Permit​.

Looking ahead

  • From 30 November, a phased approach for workers heading back to the office will begin. Up to 25 per cent of workers will be able to attend onsite. Importantly, unless you’re one of those people nominated by your employer – you need to keep working from home. The Victorian Public Service will remain under the setting “if you can work from home, you must work from home” to create space and capacity for the private sector.
  • From 11.59pm Sunday 13 December, Victorians will be able to host up to 30 people in their home per day. Babies under 12 months won’t count towards the cap.

For the Building & Construction Industry, please note that with the easing of restrictions and the Premier’s announcements, the requirement to wear face coverings is still determined by your COVIDSafe Plan. This element will be further discussed further at our planned Industry Working Group this Wednesday.

The updated COVIDSafe Plan for the sector has finally been updated and is now available online.  The plan, along with the current FAQ’s can be accessed via https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-sector-guidance-construction  DJPR have also reviewed the links to relevant information through the business.vic.gov.au, and I am pleased to advise they now all lead to this particular page. 

Finally, the Premier will be providing Victorian’s with a further update on restrictions on Sunday, 6 December 2020.

Until my next update …. keep well – keep safe.

Kind regards

John Kilgour

CEO, CCF Victoria

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