We hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year, however you celebrated it. Unfortunately, we haven’t quite had the start to 2022 we were all hoping for with many feeling the impacts of workplace shortages and isolation requirements. As an industry we have worked together through the past two years, and we know what to do with these latest changes.
In the face of rising case numbers in Victoria, testing issues and workforce impacts, the state’s Minister for Health has today announced the return of density limits indoors at hospitality and entertainment venues across the state in effect from 11.59pm tonight (Thursday 6 January).
Additional changes have also been announced for people who return a positive result to a rapid antigen test. These changes will grant positive cases the same support, along with the same isolation obligations, as someone who is identified through a formal PCR test. Read more on testing here.
Here’s what you need to know, effective from midnight tonight:
- Density limits return to 1 person per 2 square metres at indoor hospitality and entertainment venues – this does not apply to indoor seated cinemas and theatres. Update: Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) has since received clarification the density limit does not apply to function facilities, such as a building, room or space that is used for the purpose of holding events, functions, conferences or receptions. Read VTIC’s full update.
- The Minister strongly recommends both seated service at these venues and to avoid indoor dancefloors.
- Masks remain in place for all indoor settings.
- Those who test positive to a rapid antigen test will be required to notify the Victorian Department of Health through a new process, which can be done via an online form or by calling the Coronavirus Hotline at 1800 675 398.
For many of you, that means future bookings will need to be contacted in order to comply with the limits in place at each venue as of midnight tonight.
With 44 million rapid antigen tests on the way to Victoria paired with the recent changes to testing, it’s some good news that will hopefully reduce the pressure on clinics and speed up result times.
We understand starting 2022 off this way adds to two years of extremely challenging conditions for the industry, especially as we were in the midst of a summer to regain some momentum.
We are here to support you however we can and will continue to advocate for additional support for businesses.
For specific clarification on any of these requirements, the Business Victoria hotline is available on 13 22 15.
You can read the Victorian Government’s full statement here.
COVID-19 Useful Links
- Information for industry and workers required to be vaccinated – Scroll to ‘What information should be recorded by employers?” there’s a useful template.
- COVID information for visitors – Barwon Health has made a poster with local information on testing and vaccination bookings for visitors over the holiday season.
- Current CovidSafe settings – Find information on our current settings.
- Current business support – Tip: The FAQ section for each grant is really helpful.
- Victorian COVID-19 Data – Daily data updates on COVID-19.
- Booking a vaccination.
- COVID-19 signs posters and templates for your workplace
- Mental health resources – Specific for: Small business owners, families, media and carers to help maintain wellbeing.
