Additional COVIDSafe Measures To Keep Victorians Safe

As public health officials work to pinpoint the source of these latest cases, additional COVIDSafe measures will be put in place across Greater Melbourne to help keep Victorians safe.

On the advice of public health experts, from 6pm tonight private gatherings in the home will be limited to five visitors per day, public gatherings will be limited to 30 people and face masks will need to be worn indoors, unless an exemption applies. The face mask requirement applies everyone aged 12 years and older.

These additional measures are an important extra precaution while we await the results of testing and undertake widespread contact tracing to stamp out the virus. Acting Premier James Merlino said, “These additional measures are about keeping Victorians safe while our coronavirus detectives work to track down any additional cases and stamp out the spread of this deadly virus.”

Schools and workplaces will remain open with the current restrictions that are in place. Depending on the workplace, this includes COVIDSafe measures and in some cases, a density requirement. There are no changes to existing density rules.

Victorians who live in Greater Melbourne and need to travel to regional Victoria can still do so however, the restrictions travel with them.

For example, if you visit someone outside of metropolitan Melbourne, they must not have more than five visitors to their home in that day. If you attend a public gathering outside of Greater Melbourne, it must not be bigger than 30 people.

Victorians visiting regional Victoria from Melbourne will also need to wear a face mask when indoors even when outside of metropolitan Melbourne, unless an exemption applies.

Keeping our more vulnerable community members safe is always our priority, which is why hospital and aged care visitor restrictions will also now apply state-wide. 

Use of the Service Victoria QR code service will still be mandatory in all venues and facilities required to have mandatory electronic record keeping from Friday, 28 May.

However, due to the current circumstances, we will pause on the move to remove the density quotient in outdoor spaces and venues to a maximum of 200 people in spaces smaller than 400 sqm. Timing for this easing will be reassessed when public health advice indicates it is appropriate to do so. 

The Public Health Advisory Panel will provide advice as soon as possible to upcoming Tier 1 and Tier 2 events if any modifications will be required for the event to proceed.

We urge all Victorians to maintain COVIDSafe behaviours to keep our community safe and most importantly, if you are unwell, get tested as soon as possible and stay isolated until you receive a negative result. Minister for Health Martin Foley said, “We’re asking anyone who has been to any of the listed exposure sites, to please get tested and isolate as required – and that all Victorians stick to these additional measures so we can continue to stay safe and stay open.”

“These cases are an important reminder that until the majority of Australians have been vaccinated, and as we move into winter, we cannot let any complacency creep in, and we need to keep up our COVIDSafe behaviours.”

All eligible Victorians are also urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Appointments are available at sites across the state and at participating GP clinics, walk ins are also accepted at many sites. Check your eligibility and your nearest site now. Mr Merlino said, “If you’re eligible to get vaccinated, don’t wait. Make an appointment or walk up to a vaccination site today. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your family.”

For more information about current COVIDSafe settings, Victoria’s travel permit system and the vaccine program, please visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au.