COVID-19 UPDATE – VICTORIA
Members will be aware that yesterday the Victorian Government announced an easing of restrictions in Melbourne from 11.59 pm this coming Thursday, 21 October. The Premier’s announcement came as a result of Victoria reaching the 70% double dose vaccination trigger earlier than first anticipated.
Reaching the 70% vaccination point triggers the next stage of the State Government’s “Roadmap”; however the government has also announced the additional relaxation of some community and hospitality industry regulations.
The changes also include the removal of the travel limit restriction within metropolitan Melbourne and the removal of the curfew. However, travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria does not change. Changes are summarised in the table below.
What does this mean for car washing?
Page 8 of the Victoria Roadmap provides for “General Retail being open for outdoor service only (plus contactless click and collect/delivery)”.
There does not appear to be a definition of “outdoor”; however, ACWA interprets the regulation as a clear sign that car washing, including self-serve, may be open.
Hand wash undertaken in an outdoor setting would also be permitted.
Please note mandatory vaccination and Worker Permits are still required. Masks are required to be worn.
The Roadmap can be found here https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-09/Roadmap_Metro_220921_5.pdf?_cldee=c2NvdHRAcHJvd2FzaC5jb20uYXU%3d&recipientid=contact-7a039c0287e8e81180e6000d3ae0def9-ff59b4636be545b2b090d9102eb52230&esid=fba60721-f32e-ec11-b6e6-0022481152b8
Summary of Yesterday’s Announcement
| Metropolitan Melbourne | Regional Victoria | |
| Curfew | Removed | N/A |
| Travel | No limit across metropolitan Melbourne.
Unless authorised, people unable to travel across metropolitan and regional boundary. |
No limit across regional Victoria.
Unless authorised, people unable to travel across metropolitan and regional boundary. |
| Visitors to Home | 10 visitors per day, including dependents.
Vaccinations are highly recommended but not mandatory. |
10 visitors per day, including dependents.
Vaccinations are highly recommended but not mandatory. |
| Public Gatherings | 15 people inc. dependents.
Vaccinations are highly recommended but not mandatory. |
20 people inc. dependents.
Vaccinations are highly recommended but not mandatory. |
| Hospitality | Open
20 fully vaccinated patrons indoors. 50 fully vaccinated patrons outdoors. |
Open
20 fully vaccinated patrons indoors. 100 fully vaccinated patrons outdoors. |
| Hairdressing | Open
5 fully vaccinated patrons. |
Open
30 fully vaccinated patrons. |
| Funerals and weddings | 20 fully vaccinated people indoors.
50 fully vaccinated people outdoors. |
20 fully vaccinated people indoors.
100 fully vaccinated people outdoors. |
| Childcare | Open
Fully vaccinated parents. |
Open
Fully vaccinated parents. |
| Schools | Students in Years 3 to 11 return on Friday 22 October 2021 | Students in Years 3 to 11 return on Friday 22 October 2021 |
