On this page
- High vax rate means that most restrictions can safely ease
- Venues operating as a polling place
- Business Stimulus Package
- The coronavirus.vic.gov.au website will be updated over the coming weeks following the publication of the 11:59pm, Friday 22 April Pandemic Orders.
- Current COVIDSafe Settings
- Workplace COVIDSafe Settings in Victoria
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Maintaining a COVIDSafe workplace FAQs
- Vaccination requirements FAQs
- Home-based businesses and visiting homes for work FAQs
- Resources and further training FAQs
High vax rate means that most restrictions can safely ease
The Victorian Government has that most COVID-19 restrictions will be removed from 11:59pm, Friday 22 April 2022. Changes will include:
Vaccination and check in
- Patrons won’t be required to have two doses or show their vaccination status before entering any venue.
- The requirement for staff and patrons of venues to check-in using the Service Victoria app will end, with operators not required to keep any attendance records or maintain a COVID-19 Check-in Marshal.
- The existing two-dose and three-dose vaccination mandates for workers are still required.
Face masks
- Face masks will no longer be required in hospitality and retail settings, or at events of any size.
- Face masks will still be required on public transport and at airports – excluding airport workers who aren’t public facing – and in sensitive settings.
Quarantine and isolation
- Close contacts will no longer have to quarantine – provided they wear a face mask indoors and avoid sensitive settings. They will also need to undertake at least five negative rapid tests over the seven days that would previously have been the self-quarantine period.
- The requirement to isolate for seven days following a COVID-19 diagnosis remains.
Workplace contacts
- Individuals will be required to notify their workplace contacts, in addition to informing their social contacts.
- Workplaces won’t have to individually identify and notify each potentially exposed worker.
- It is recommended to work from home if you're a close contact exempt from quarantine.
Events with more than 30,000 people will no longer require public health pre-approval.
COVIDSafe Plans are still required in all workplaces.
For more information, visit High vax rate means most restrictions can safely
Venues operating as a polling place
Victoria's vaccination requirements do not apply to voters or federal election workers attending polling places for the upcoming Federal Election.
Business Stimulus Package
The Victorian Government's $200 million stimulus package has programs to support businesses and build consumer confidence, including The Victorian Dining and Entertainment .
The coronavirus.vic.gov.au website will be updated over the coming weeks following the publication of the 11:59pm, Friday 22 April Pandemic Orders.
Current COVIDSafe Settings
| Category | COVIDSafe settings in Victoria |
|---|---|
| Venues operating as a polling place |
|
Customer vaccination requirements |
|
| Face masks |
|
QR code requirements |
|
Surveillance testing | Surveillance applies to some sectors. |
Workplace COVIDSafe Settings in Victoria
For industry COVIDSafe Settings, information and FAQs, see links below:
Agriculture and resources sector guidance
Arts and live performance sector guidance
Attractions and entertainment sector guidance
Adult entertainment sector guidance
Commercial passenger vehicles sector guidance
Education and training sector guidance
Health care and social assistance sector guidance
Hospitality - food and beverage services sector guidance
Ports of entry (airports and maritime) sector guidance
Property, real estate and strata sector guidance
Religion and ceremonies sector guidance
Sport, exercise and physical recreation services sector guidance
Tourism and accommodation services sector guidance
Utilities and commercial cleaning services sector guidance
Warehousing, wholesaling, postal and distribution sector guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Maintaining a COVIDSafe workplace FAQs
Is there a COVIDSafe workplace guide for businesses during the current COVIDSafe Settings?
Yes. The COVIDSafe Workplaces guide can be used by all Victorian workplaces and includes recommendations on physical distancing, hygiene and ventilation - it also covers record keeping and face mask requirements.
What settings apply to a workplace that is used for a different purpose from what the venue is usually designed for (for example, a convention centre space used to host a dinner)?
The COVIDSafe Settings that apply are usually related to the venue type. However, the operator of the venue should also familiarise themselves with the sector-specific COVIDSafe relevant to the activity taking place and apply those settings where possible.
For example, if a convention centre is used to host a sit-down dinner, the operator of the venue must apply the COVIDSafe Settings applicable to a convention centre and should also apply the settings applicable to food and drink .
Visit the relevant Sector page page for the COVIDSafe Settings that apply to specific event venues. For more information on holding events, visit the Events sector page.
If a worker is working from home and not attending a work premises, are they required to notify their employer if they test positive for COVID-19?
No. Only workers who test positive for COVID-19 and attended an indoor space on the work premises or any other venue for a work-related event (e.g. a conference at a convention center related to work) during their infectious period (i.e. 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms, or 48 hours prior to when they had the test if they never had symptoms) are required to inform their employer/operator of the work premises. These workers must notify the operator as soon as possible.
Vaccination requirements FAQs
What vaccination status must my workers have, to work outside the home? Can workers who are partially vaccinated continue to work?
Most workers in Victoria must meet vaccination requirements to attend work, with some limited exceptions. These include certain types of workers who cannot work from home or those attending workplaces in emergency situations.
For more information on the vaccination requirements for your industry, visit Worker vaccination requirements.
Do workers need to meet vaccination requirements to continue working from home?
No, unless the home set-up is a home-based business which is attended by other workers and/or patrons.
Do businesses need to keep a record of a customer’s vaccination status?
No, certain businesses just need to check that customers who are over 18 years of age meet vaccination requirements - they do not need to record this information.
For more information, see Sector guidance for COVIDSafe Settings specific to each industry and How to check the vaccination status of your .
Is my business required to check the vaccination status of patrons who are children?
No. If your business is required to check for proof of vaccination status, you must do so for any patrons aged 18 years and older.
Can a workplace open their premises for an unvaccinated worker who is at risk of family violence?
A person escaping harm or risk of harm in their home or accommodation, including family violence, can leave their home at any time. If a workplace that is not otherwise permitted to allow entry to an unvaccinated worker is the only safe place for a person escaping harm to be, then the premises can be made available to them. The workplace should not be open to unvaccinated workers for broader purposes.
Is it against the Equal Opportunity Act for my employer to require me to get vaccinated or for a service provider to require me to be vaccinated to access their services?
The Equal Opportunity Act prohibits discrimination in certain areas of life, including employment and the provision of goods and services, based on protected attributes such as disability or religious belief or activity.
Vaccination status is not a protected attribute under the Equal Opportunity Act.
However, if an employer makes vaccinations a condition of employment, or a service provider requires proof of vaccination to access a service, this could be discrimination if you cannot be vaccinated due to a disability or other attribute protected under the Equal Opportunity Act and they do not make an exception for you.
Further information is available at the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights .
Does the printed copy of a patron’s COVID-19 digital certificate have to be in a specific size (for example, A4)?
No, however, the COVID-19 digital certificate should be clear and easily readable.
Patrons are permitted to print a copy of their own COVID-19 digital certificate or print a copy with the assistance of others (for example, a GP, pharmacy, or community centre).
For more information, visit How to check the vaccination status of your customers.
Home-based businesses and visiting homes for work FAQs
Are clients or patrons allowed to enter my home-based business?
Yes, clients or patrons can enter your home-based business. Workers who are required to be vaccinated cannot operate a business in their home unless they are vaccinated.
Similarly, home-based businesses must also abide by the rules in the current Pandemic Open Premises Order. For example, a business that provides beauty therapy services from home must operate according to COVIDSafe Settings that apply to all beauty therapy business.
In addition, home-based businesses must:
- must follow the worker and patron restrictions specific to their industry
- must have a COVIDSafe that follows industry requirements
- may use the Victorian Government QR Code and ensure customers check-in with the Service app
- should follow the COVIDSafe Workplace guide which includes cleaning, displaying signage and physical distancing advice.
Home-based businesses should ensure workers get tested for if unwell (even if they show only mild symptoms).
I run a mobile business that provides services inside private residences. What restrictions must I adhere to?
Businesses that visit private residences should follow the COVIDSafe Workplace guide and must:
- have a COVIDSafe that provides for visits to certain premises, including keeping records for 28 days of appointments and locations visited
- not have workers attend if a client or the people they live with are unwell, or if workers are unwell
- comply with vaccination requirements for their industry
- follow the COVIDSafe Workplace guide
- wear face masks indoors when required.
Resources and further training FAQs
Where can I access signs and posters about current restrictions to display at my workplace?
For signage resources, visit Signs, posters and templates for your .
Where can I access information on fines and enforcement of workplace obligations?
Visit Fines, enforcement and for more information.
Is there infection control training available to help make my workplace safer?
Yes. Free, short, accredited training is available to help workers identify and manage the ongoing risk of COVID-19 infections in the workplace. Completing free infection control will help businesses ensure customers and the workforce are protected.
How can I provide feedback on current COVIDSafe Settings for industry?
The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions continues to consult with industry in conjunction with the Department of Health about COVIDSafe settings.
If you are an individual business, contact your peak body or industry leaders for more information, contact Business or call 13 22 15.
I have a concern about compliance with business and industry restrictions. How can I report it?
To report a suspected breach of Pandemic Orders contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Workers: Please contact on 1800 136 089 if you would like to discuss a matter specific to your place of work.
Employers: For guidance and frequently asked questions for businesses with on-site operations, visit the sector webpage relevant to your industry.
Contact your industry regulator or peak body if you require support specific to your industry.
Reviewed 20 April 2022