Under an easing of Covid-19 restrictions announced by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, manufacturing can return with up to 90 per cent of its workforce from 11.59pm Sunday (Sept 27). There will be additional obligations for some employers, including regular testing and training of staff, nightly deep cleaning and separating workers into bubbles.
Seven weeks ago, Melbourne’s average case numbers were more than 400 every day. Its 14-day rolling average has now fallen below the 30-50 cases required to ease restrictions.
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"We are beating this thing": Victorian
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“Today, Melbourne’s rolling case average is 22.1,” said Premier Andrews on Sunday. “It’s a remarkable thing – and an achievement that belongs to every single Victorian. Because with grit and with guts and with heart – we are beating this thing. We are driving it down. We are winning.”
Under the Second Step, manufacturing can return with up to 90 per cent of its workforce.
“The workforce limits for some industries will be expanded,” Andrews said. “Supermarkets and food distribution centres, for example, will return to full capacity. Abattoirs, seafood and meat processing plants will also increase, in line with the levels we know are safe.
“At the same time, and recognising the increased risk in some of these environments, there’ll be additional obligations for employers, including regular surveillance testing of staff, nightly deep cleaning, separating workers into consistent bubbles, and providing regular training for their workers.”
Sole traders doing outside gardening and landscaping can return. Retail pet grooming will also resume. Private inspections can resume for real estate. Weddings can take place with up to five people. Apprentices and uni students in their final year of study will be able to attend onsite for learning and assessment where necessary.
Prep to grade six, special school students and VCE/VCAL students will return to school on site in the week from 12 October.
Groups of up to five from across a maximum of two households can meet outdoors. Outdoor pools will open, and personal training can resume with a maximum of two people and their trainer. Childcare centres can reopen, with kinder to open from Term 4.
One visitor per patient day for a maximum of two hours will be allowed at care facilities and hospitals. For patients under 18 years, two parents or carers can visit with no time limit.
“Recognising a number of important upcoming events for many of our religious communities, gatherings of up to five people can meet with their faith leader outdoors,” the Premier said.
“More of our medical, health and allied professionals will also be able to offer face to face services for non-urgent care. And of course, reaching the Second Step means we can begin to slowly ramp up elective surgery to 75 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
“With all of these changes, though, comes increased responsibility to keep each other safe. To get tested when you’re sick. To keep your distance when you’re out. To follow the rules and listen to the health advice. It also means continuing to wear a face covering. And with more people moving across our city, our public health team have advised the rules around wearing a mask need to be strengthened.”
Victorians will now be required to wear a fitted face mask, covering the nose and mouth, he said. “As I’ve said before, wearing a face covering is a small sacrifice – but it makes a huge difference in keeping all of us safe. Because fundamentally, that’s what all of this comes down to.
“None of it’s easy. But all of it matters. And every day, and every Victorian, is getting us that much closer to the other side. Whether you call it the final quarter, the home stretch, or the last push – we’re nearly there.
“We’ve got this.”
Read the full statement here, which contains a link (Download The Table) to more details of Metropolitan Melbourne - The Second Stage.
