Covid Restrictions around Australia

​It’s clear that the Delta strain is causing havoc around Australia and lockdowns and restrictions are updated daily.  With the latest tightening in Victoria and reviews ongoing in New South Wales, we thought it would be helpful to have a quick summary of all that is happening as it pertains to employment around Australia:

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VICTORIA
Metropolitan Melbourne

• Lockdown extended until 11.59pm on Thursday, 2 September – an additional 14 days.
• Permits - permitted workers will be required to carry permits when working and when traveling for work from 11:59pm Tuesday 17 August.  Permits must be certified by an employer.  Click here to download the permit.   Be aware that significant fines are in place for breach of this process and on the spot fines if a permitted worker is not carrying their permit for both individuals and businesses.
• Curfew imposed from 9pm to 5am.
• The 5km restriction and curfew does not apply to permitted workers, if work requires work outside these hours
• At large scale construction sites, staffing must reduce to 25 per cent or five workers on site, whichever is higher.

• Employees that can work from home must work from home.
• Facemasks must be worn indoors and outdoors whenever you leave home.  Not required if you are working alone unless another person enters your indoor or outdoor working space.

 
Regional Victoria

• No restrictions for leaving home and working.
• While in metropolitan Melbourne for the above reasons, residents of regional Victoria must comply with all directions that are in force.
• If you can work from home, you should continue to do so. 
• Office capacity is 25% or 10 people, whichever is the greater.
• Facemasks must be worn indoors and outdoors.

 
NEW SOUTH WALES

• Entire state is under stay at home orders.
• Anyone who leaves their home must carry a mask with them at all times. They must be worn when working outdoors, by all school staff, by all people in outdoor markets, outdoor shopping strips, and in an outdoor queue waiting for products such as coffee and food.
• Employers must require employees to work from home unless not practicable.
• A number of Local Government Areas face more stringent rules as they are deemed areas of concern.  Details and more information can be found here.

 
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

• Lockdown has been extended by two weeks until at least 2 September.
• Must work from home except for essential workers
• Facemasks are required whenever outside the home, including workplaces.

 
 
NOTHERN TERRITORY

• Snap lockdown from 12:01pm for 72 hours in the following areas:
  • City of Darwin
  • City of Palmerston
  • Litchfield Council
  • Wagait Shire
  • Belyuen Shire
  • Dundee
  • Bynoe
  • Charlotte
  • Cox Peninsula
  • Municipality of Katherine including Tindal
• Must work from home unless an essential worker as defined here.
• Facemasks must be worn whenever leaving the home including in the workplace.

 
Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia currently have limited or no restrictions impacting work.  Ensure you check the latest updates below to remain across any changes:
Queensland – stay informed here
South Australia – click here
Tasmania – updates here
Western Australia – up to date info here
 
If you need any help with workers permits or ensuring you are compliant with the relevant government directives, please contact the HR Staff n’ Stuff team immediately.  In the meantime, follow the rules and stay safe everyone.

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