Australia: Victoria to ease COVID-19 restrictions from 2359 Dec. 6. International flights to resume Dec. 7 /update 14

Event

Victoria will further ease gathering and commercial restrictions from 2359 Dec. 6 due to reduced coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity in the state. Authorities will increase limits on outdoor public gatherings to 100 people and groups at home to 30 people. The government lifted a facemask requirement for residents when outside, provided a distance of 1.5 meters (five feet) is possible; however, facemasks remain mandatory at indoor locations, including public transport and grocery stores.

Authorities have eased commercial restrictions; work can resume at offices statewide, but employers must restrict capacity to 25 percent and stagger entry and departure times. Other employees will continue to work at home, if possible. The government has outlined a phased plan to allow private-sector workers to return to the office in the coming weeks. Officials will permit up to 50 percent of employees at smaller firms to return to on-site work from Jan. 11, up to 20 people.

Nonessential businesses, including hospitality venues, retail, entertainment venues, and personal care services, have resumed. Entertainment venues can operate at 75-percent capacity, up to 1,000 people. Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs can resume operations in indoor and outdoor areas; venues can hold up to 25 people before the density limits take effect. Officials have reduced capacity limits for almost all businesses; companies must adhere to one person per two square meters (21 square feet), regardless of the total number of patrons. However, dance floors can remain limited to one person per four square meters (43 square feet) up to 50 people. Gyms, pools, and recreation centers must follow the four-square-meter rule. The government also requires high traffic businesses and community venues to maintain contact details of patrons - usually through a quick response (QR) code - or follow the four-square-meter rule.

Domestic Border Controls
Victoria's border is open to travelers from most Australian states. Travelers from South Australia can enter Victoria but must request a Border Crossing Permit before travel, except if seeking emergency medical care or providing emergency public services. South Australian residents living within 70 km (44 miles) of the Victoria border can enter without a permit.

Quarantine Requirements
International flights will resume at airports in Melbourne (MEL, AVV) from Dec. 7. Officials plan to cap arrival capacity at 160 passengers per day initially. All travelers entering Australia, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,130) for the first adult, AUD 1,000 (USD 710) per additional adult, and AUD 500 (USD 371) per child; the government does not charge fees for children under three years old. Authorities require quarantined travelers to take a COVID-19 test on the third and eleventh day of quarantine.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Avoid crowded areas as a precaution. Stock up on essential supplies. Confirm business appointments in affected areas. Check the status of flights with airlines if flying into Melbourne in the coming weeks.

Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

Victoria Government
Victoria COVID-19 Reopening Roadmap
Victoria Department of Health and Human Services
Victoria Border Crossing Permit