Australia: Authorities modifying COVID-19 curbs on domestic travel, on-site work, and facemask use in Victoria as of Jan. 18 /update 19

Event

Officials in Victoria are modifying coronavirus disease (COVID-19) controls as of Jan. 18. Private offices may operate on-site with a maximum of 50 percent staff, while public offices may do the same with a 25 percent workforce. Facemasks are no longer required inside offices, as well as most public indoor settings. However, it is mandatory to carry a facemask at all times and use it at any location where distancing of 1.5 meters between two people is not possible. Usage of facemasks is also compulsory at airports, hospitals, markets, and most retail stores, as well as on flights, public and private hire vehicles.

Authorities are also modifying the travel permit system for domestic travelers to enter the state effective 1800 Jan. 18. The permit system applies for both returning state residents and residents of other states. Provision of permits is dependent on where the traveler is coming from; the state government is classifying areas across the country as green (lower risk), orange (intermediate risk), and red (high risk) zones. Measures for each zone are as follows:

• Green: Arrivals need to apply for a permit. Authorities advise entrants to receive a COVID-19 test.

• Orange: People entering from orange zones must apply for a permit and take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of entry. Entrants must isolate from arrival until they receive a negative test result.

• Red: Entrants who had visited red zones in the last 14 days are not allowed to apply for a permit. People who visited a red zone may only enter if they have an exception, which includes essential medical care or being a border community resident on the border with New South Wales, an exemption, which includes emergency relocation and arriving for health reasons or have a permitted worker permit.

As of 1800 Jan. 18, Blacktown City, Burwood, Canada Bay City, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield City, Inner West, Liverpool City, Paramatta City, and Strathfield Municipality of greater Sydney are red zones. Areas in New South Wales including Blue Mountains, Wollongong, as well as locations except for red zones in greater Sydney are classified as orange zones. The government could modify entry restrictions at short notice.

Victoria is maintaining internal COVID-19 controls. Authorities have reduced the cap for in-home gatherings to 15 people. Outdoor public gatherings remain limited to a maximum of 100 people. Facemasks are mandatory at indoor locations, except for private residences. Entertainment venues can operate at a 75-percent capacity of up to 1,000 people. Companies must adhere to one person per 2 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. Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs can hold up to 25 people before density limits take effect. 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 ensure allocation of four square meters for each person at the venue.

Quarantine Requirements
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.

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