Business restrictions

Under Stage 4 ‘Stay at Home’ Restrictions the default is that workplaces in metropolitan Melbourne are closed unless the workplace is part of a permitted industry as set out in the sector guidance.

All Victorians are required to work from home, except where this is not practicable. Sole operators can continue to operate, if they do not have contact with the public, or with people other than those persons living in their primary household.

Find out more about the COVID-19 business restrictions in Victoria.BUSINESS VICTORIA

Workplace requirements

From 11:59pm Wednesday 5 August, workplaces in Melbourne must be closed unless:

  • the workplace is part of a permitted activity
  • all employees are working from home

Permitted Worker Scheme – COVID-19

From 11:59pm on Wednesday 5 August, employers that require their staff to attend a work site must issue a worker permit to their employees – this is the employer’s responsibility.

Penalties will apply to employers who issue worker permits to employees who do not meet the requirements of the worker permit scheme or who otherwise breach the scheme requirements.  There will also be on-the-spot fines for anyone who breaches the scheme requirements. This includes employers and employees who do not carry their worker permit when travelling to and from work.

Learn more about the Permitted Worker Scheme COVID-19 and download the permitted worker permit.VICTORIA STATE GOVERNMENT

COVID Safe Plan

Permitted workplaces have until 11:59pm on Friday 7 August to implement their COVID Safe Plan. Industries moving to restricted operations have until 11:59pm on Friday 7 August to implement these restrictions – but any measures that can be introduced sooner should be.

Under the Stage 4 restrictions, there are new requirements for businesses. Certain services and industries will be able to remain operational and will be required by law to have a COVID Safe Plan.

Learn more about the COVID Safe Plan and download the template.BUSINESS VICTORIA

Record keeping for contact tracing

To support contact tracing, some businesses, workplaces and premises must request that each person who attends the premise for more than 15 minutes (including staff) provide:

  • first name
  • phone number

You must keep a record of those details, and the date and time at which the person attended the facility. Where the patrons spend most of their time in a single space, a record of the space used should also be kept. There is no need to keep multiple records if patrons move through multiple spaces. Records can be kept electronically or in hard copy and should be kept for 28 days.

Find out more about the record keeping for contact tracing in Victoria.VICTORIA STATE GOVERNMENT

Face coverings

From 11:59pm on Sunday 2 August 2020, all Victorians must wear a face covering when they leave home, no matter where they live.

Learn more about face coverings.VICTORIA STATE GOVERNMENT

Stay up-to-date

Coronavirus information and support for business

Find financial assistance, eligibility and timing for the government support and resources to help you continue your business.

Check out the coronavirus information and support for business.