Coronavirus: Auto industry reopens

26 October 2020

The State Government has eased restrictions on metro Melbourne businesses.

Automotive businesses are permitted to reopen as of Wednesday 28 October, with no limits on the work performed, provided a COVIDSafe Plan is in place, as the whole of Victoria will move from 'stay home' to 'stay safe' measures – meaning there are no longer restrictions on the reasons to leave home.

Retail businesses have been given the green light to begin preparations for a COVID-safe reopening, with staff now permitted to be on-site to ready businesses.

Although Victoria is set to move into the Third Stage of the State Government's roadmap to reopening and well on the way to COVID Normal operations, it is important to remain vigilant. Every Victorian business that is open must follow the six COVIDSafe principles to help prevent future outbreaks of COVID-19. These include:

• Ensure physical distancing
• Wear a face mask
• Practice good hygiene
• Keep records and act quickly
• Avoid interactions in enclosed spaces
• Create workforce bubbles.

​Other important considerations:

• Permitted Worker Permits are no longer required (Permitted Worker Permits are no longer required (unless worker is travelling from Melbourne to regional Victoria, and vice versa)
• Work from home if you can
• The 25km radius limitation is still in place.

VACC members are encouraged to review the latest VACC OHS&E and IR department resources on the member-website, as well as State Government materials – all designed to help businesses ease back into operations in the safest way possible for staff and customers. Government materials include COVID-19 translated information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For more information
State Government of Victoria: Statement From The Premier 26 October 2020
State Government of Victoria: Coronavirus (COVID-19) roadmap for reopening
State Government of Victoria: Creating a COVIDSafe workplace