The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) welcomes the State Government’s announcement to ease restrictions on metro Melbourne businesses, allowing the automotive industry to open across the state.
“VACC is pleased that all automotive businesses will open from Wednesday 28 October,” said VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym.
Retail businesses have been given the green light to begin preparations for a COVID-safe reopening, with staff now permitted to be on-site to ready businesses.
From tomorrow, businesses are permitted to reopen, with no limits on the work performed, provided a COVID-safe plan is in place, as the whole of Victoria has moved from ‘stay home’ to ‘stay safe’ measures – meaning there are no longer restrictions on the reasons to leave home.
“The automotive industry is primed and ready for opening. VACC has provided its members with exhaustive information, including assisting with COVID-safe plans, creating communication templates, and resources for staff and customers,” said Gwilym. Although Victoria is now in the Third Stage of the State Government’s roadmap to reopening and well on the way to COVID-normal operations, it is important to remain vigilant.
Every Victorian business that is open must follow the six COVID-safe principles to help prevent future outbreaks of COVID-19. These include:
- Ensure physical distancing
- Wear a face mask
- Practice good hygiene
- Keep records and act quickly
- Avoid interactions in enclosed spaces
- Create workforce bubbles.
Other important considerations:
- Work from home if you can
- The 25km radius is still in place
- Permitted Worker Permits are no longer required (unless worker is travelling from Melbourne to regional Victoria, and vice versa).
VACC has encouraged its members to review the latest Chamber OHS&E and IR department resources, as well as State Government materials, which are all designed to help businesses ease back into operations in the safest way possible for staff and customers.
Government materials include COVID-19 translated information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.