GOVV | UPDATING | Restrictions Victoria | Wednesday 15 December 2021 | from Midnight

[Edited extract from public address]

From midnight Wednesday 15 December 2021, until Wednesday 12 January 2022 there are changed rules in Victoria.

More than 92 per cent of eligible Victorians are double dosed vaccinated, giving Victoria the opportunity to enjoy a greater level of freedom across the state.

All Victorians are eligible for a booster shot five months after their second dose and are urged to book an appointment as soon as possible. This will keep families safe during the holiday period and help slow the spread of the virus.

• Under-18s: Under-18s don’t need to show proof of vaccination status at any venues.
• Proof of vaccination not required: Proof of vaccination not required for customers in retail (except hair and beauty services), real estate, places of worship, weddings and funerals.
• Masks: Masks must be worn in retail settings.
• Hospitality: Hospitality venues only open to fully vaccinated patrons and staff. Workers must wear masks.
• Weddings, funerals, ceremonial settings: Masks not required at weddings, funerals, or ceremonial settings. If events are held at places of worship, no vaccination requirements or crowd limits apply. If held in a hospitality setting, vaccine requirements apply.
• Workplaces: Workplaces exposed to a positive COVID-19 case don’t need to be deep cleaned.
• Cleaning: Tour and transport operators, gyms and creative arts premises don’t need to clean equipment between uses.
• Elective surgery: Rural and regional health services able to resume up to 75 per cent of normal activity. Metropolitan at 50 per cent capacity.
• Real estate: No need to show proof of vaccination to attend auctions or home openings.

Additionally

• If there is family violence or violence by another person in the home, and you are at risk, safe accommodation and support for family violence is available. Call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or email safesteps@safesteps.org.au for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

Other ways to stay safe

• Always wash your hands before you leave, and when you return home.
• Keep at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
• Never, ever go out if you are unwell unless it is to get tested.
• After you get tested, you must go straight home.
• Remember that the most important thing you can do is get tested, even if you have the mildest of symptoms.
• Get vaccinated.

 

To learn more about Victoria's restrictions

• Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. International, interstate and mobile callers can phone (+613) 9096 9000.
• For up to date information, Department of Health's website in English or
• Other Languages
• Read more about Victoria restrictions
• Read 15/12 Statement from Premier Daniel Andrews

 

 Relief and Community Support links:

• What to do if you are a close contact
• Financial support for coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Isolation and quarantine – extra help and support
• Mental health resources 
• Mental health support services
• Information for people with disability - coronavirus (COVID-19) 
• Emergency relief packages 
• COVID business information 
• COVIDSafe religion and ceremony guidance

COVID-19 Resources

Exposure sites

There are new coronavirus exposure sites across Melbourne as well as some regional areas. If you, or your friends or family, went to any of the exposure sites listed here at the times indicated, please follow the advice given for that particular site. 

• See current list of exposure sites

Vaccinations

Getting vaccinated is our way out of this pandemic. The best vaccine you can get is the one that you can get today.

Is it true? With new COVID-19 vaccine developments every day, it’s normal to have questions or concerns, and possibly feel hesitant about getting a vaccine. That's why accurate, evidence-based answers to questions is available about COVID-19 vaccines. 
Find out more about COVID-19 vaccines ⁠–⁠ Is it true?

Have you booked your vaccine? Everyone in Australia can get the vaccination when it's their turn. Currently in Victoria, anyone aged 40 or over is eligible for the free vaccine, along with people with particular underlying conditions. 

• Click here for in-language information about the vaccine.

 

Resources for disability service providers

This Federal Department of Health's dedicated COVID-19 vaccine webpage has comprehensive information and resources for people with disability. This includes a readiness toolkit with resources designed to assist disability service providers during the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.

• Access Information here

 

Immediate Eligibility for NDIS participants and carers aged 16 years and over

All National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants aged 16 years and over and carers aged 16 years and over of NDIS participants of any age became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from 8 June. NDIS participants will be able to find a vaccination site using the Department of Health's eligibility checker.

• Check your eligibility

 

AUST | GOV | Arm yourself against COVID-19

The Australian Government has launched a new campaign to encourage eligible Australians to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Arm Yourself campaign urges Australians to protect themselves, their loved ones, the people they care about, and the wider community by getting the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Use the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker in 15 languages to find out when you can book your vaccination and arm yourself.

• Check your eligibility for the vaccine in languages other than English

 

VIC | GOV | It's a no brainer Vaccination Video

Thursday Island resident Elsie Seriat OAM is a proud mum, runner and graduate from the Indigenous Marathon Foundation. In a new video, she explains how important it is to protect yourself and your family against COVID-19 by getting the vaccine when you can.

The video is part of a raft of resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples explaining the importance of the vaccination. You can browse other resources here. 

• Watch the video

 

VIC | VCOSS | Getting Back To The Good Things and Performance Of A Lifetime Vaccination Videos 

The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) videos feature ordinary Australians talking about the special moments in life they are looking forward to when life can be 'normal' again.

• Watch 'Getting back to the good things' (1 min) is available in English and 10 other languages. 
• Watch 'performance of a lifetime' (2 mins)

MELB | NWMPHN |  Goodbye COVID Vaccination Video

North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) worked with local community leaders to encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated protects yourself and your loved ones. When enough of us are vaccinated, life will be better for everyone.

Goodbye COVID videos are in 20 languages, along with scripts and more information.

• Explore the resources

 

AUST | GOV | CALD and Aged Care vaccination videos

Watch new videos from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community members speaking in Mandarin, Cantonese, Nepali, Vietnamese and Dinka about why they got their COVID-19 vaccine.

Aged care residents have also shared their experience getting the COVID-19 vaccines. Videos come with captions in Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Korean and Vietnamese.

• Watch in-language videos

 

AUST | GOV | Showing proof of vaccination

After you get vaccinated, your vaccination provider adds your details on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) within 10 days. Most people can get their proof using their Medicare online account through myGov. You just need to make sure you’ve got a myGov account set up and that you’ve linked it to Medicare.

• Learn more

 

MORE:

Office of the Premier

State Government of Victoria (GOVV)

Address: 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne Victoria 3002 Australia

Website: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au