Australia: Victoria tightens some gathering restrictions statewide as of Feb. 4 due to reported COVID-19 case /update 23

Event

Victoria has marginally tightened coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions statewide as of Feb. 4 due to a reported case in Melbourne. Authorities have reduced the number of allowable people at home gatherings to 15 people; outdoor public groups remain limited to a maximum of 100 people. Facemasks are again mandatory at all indoor public venues in addition to existing facemask requirements on public transport, including ride-hailing vehicles and flights, large retail businesses, indoor markets, hospitals, and airports. It is also mandatory to carry a facemask at all times and use it at any location where distancing of 1.5 meters (5 feet) is impossible.

Officials have delayed plans to increase capacity at private offices to 75 percent until further notice; private offices may continue to operate on-site with a maximum of 50 percent staff, though public offices remain limited to 25 percent of employees. Entertainment venues can operate at a 75-percent capacity of up to 1,000 people. Companies must adhere to one person per two square meters (21 square feet), regardless of the total number of patrons, though restaurants, bars, and nightclubs can hold up to 25 people before density limits take effect. The government also requires high traffic businesses and community venues to maintain contact details of patrons - usually through a quick response (QR) code - or restrict patrons to one person per four square meters (43 square feet).

Domestic Border Controls
Victoria allows travel from most Australian locations, though officials still require travelers to apply for a permit to enter the state. The government continues to classify the Perth Metropolitan, Peel, and South West regions in Western Australia as red zones. Authorities have banned individuals who have traveled to the affected areas since Jan. 25 from entering Victoria until further notice; officials could issue fines for residents who attempt to enter the state and require them to self-quarantine for 14 days. Nonresidents will face fines and quarantine at designated hotels at their own expense until officials arrange for them to return home. Officials continue to define the Cumberland local government area in Greater Sydney as an orange zone. Individuals with a 14-day travel history to Cumberland can still enter Victoria; however, they must take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival and self-isolate from the point of entry until receipt of a negative result.

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. Travelers from New Zealand are exempt from most quarantine requirements. However, officials require travelers from New Zealand to be out of managed isolation for 14 days before departing for Australia. All arrivals in Victoria from New Zealand must get a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival and self-quarantine until receiving a negative test result through 1400 Feb. 10. Authorities will also require one negative COVID-19 test result for people who have been to a location of interest in New Zealand and two negative COVID-19 test results for people identified as a close contact of other COVID-19 cases in that country during the period.

Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,286) for the first adult, AUD 1,000 (USD 762) per additional adult, and AUD 500 (USD 381) 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 days three and 11 of quarantine.

Context

Victoria utilizes a three-tier system to guide domestic border restrictions. Travelers from green (lower risk) zones only require a permit for entry. Individuals who have traveled in an orange (intermediate risk) zone must take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of entry and self-quarantine until receiving a negative result. Visitors from red (high risk) zones remain banned from entering Victoria without a government-issued exception. The government could modify entry restrictions at short notice depending on COVID-19 activity in other parts of Australia.

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.

Resources

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