News & Insights

Earlier this month, the Victorian Government announced a COVID-19 “roadmap to reopening” in Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria.

This roadmap detailed how restrictions would be eased for both individuals and businesses, subject to case numbers and public health advice.

Under Step 1 of the roadmap, which commenced at 11:59pm on Sunday 13 September 2020, there were no changes for business in Metropolitan Melbourne.

However, as of 11:59pm on Sunday 27 September 2020, Step 2 of the roadmap commenced, and certain work restrictions were eased across Metropolitan Melbourne.

what has changed?

Some of the key changes for business in Metropolitan Melbourne under Step 2 include:

• all manufacturing is now permitted, subject to a 10% reduction in daily workforce;
• warehousing is no longer subject to daily workforce reductions;
• all wholesale trade is now permitted, with certain premises subject to a 33% reduction in daily workforce; and
• significant changes for large scale construction, with the number of workers allowed on site increased to 85%. Land development works have increased to 20 workers per hectare. Refer to our Property and Construction webpage for more details on the changes.

For many industries, including manufacturing and warehousing, even though the requirements for a reduced daily workforce have been relaxed, they are still required to limit staff and visitors in a shared space (e.g. tearoom or workspace) in accordance with the “density quotient” (i.e. generally one person per four square metres). Separation of people by 1.5m may also be imposed or, at least, recommended where practical.

COVID Safe Plans remain required. Furthermore, in most cases, it is still expected that staff who are able to work from home will do so.

what’s next?

Step 3 of the roadmap, which will see major industries returning, was originally due to commence no earlier than 26 October 2020 (subject to case numbers meeting targets). However, Premier Daniel Andrews has indicated that based on the current case numbers, this Step may be brought forward to 19 October 2020.

For further information on the implications for business under each Step of the roadmap, please see our previous article on “victoria’s restrictions extended – impacts for business”.

If you are unsure whether the changes to restriction levels have any impact on your business, contact us for further information and tailored guidance.

The information contained in this article is general in nature and cannot be relied on as legal advice nor does it create an engagement. Please contact one of our lawyers listed above for advice about your specific situation.