The Premier today announced the current lockdown will be strengthened and extended across metropolitan Melbourne until at least 11:59pm, Thursday 2 September. This is an additional 14 days on the previous direction.

The strengthened restrictions will commence from 11:59pm tonight.

The night-time curfew will return from this evening and apply from 9pm to 5am each night. In addition, authorised workers will again need to carry work permits and large-scale construction sites will be reduced to 25 per cent capacity, or five (5) workers on site (whichever is greater).

Industry has not yet been provided with specific details about many of these measures, including how the restrictions to construction sites will operate. Whilst we anticipate definitions may reflect those from 2020, this is yet to be confirmed. We will continue to provide updates to our members as soon as this information becomes available.

Key updates for industry.

• On large scale construction sites, staffing must reduce to 25 per cent or five (5) workers on site, whichever is higher.
• Authorised workers will be required to carry permits when working, and when travelling for work, from 11:59pm on Tuesday August 17. The permits need to be certified by an employer. Permits will be available on the coronavirus website before these directions come into effect.
• There remain only five reasons to leave home: getting the food and the supplies you need, exercising for up to two hours, care or caregiving, authorised work or education if you can’t do it from home, or to get vaccinated at the nearest possible location.
• The strengthened settings will see a curfew imposed from 9pm to 5am every night. Although restrictions apply from 11:59pm tonight, Victorians are asked to respect the curfew from 9pm this evening.
• Shopping and exercise must be done within 5km of your home or the nearest location.
• Exercise will be limited to an individual and just one other person, plus dependants if they can’t be left at home.
• Playgrounds, basketball hoops, skate parks and outdoor exercise equipment will now be closed. People will not be able to remove their masks to drink alcoholic beverages in public.
• Face masks remain mandatory indoors (not at home) and outdoors, including all workplaces, unless an exception applies.   
• Private gatherings are not permitted except for an intimate partner or nominated person visits. 
• Public gatherings are not permitted. 
• There are no changes to regional settings.

For a more detailed overview of the restrictions, please see below a link to the Table of Restrictions. 

Stay COVIDSafe

• Wear your mask correctly – covering your mouth and nose
• Get tested immediately if you are ill
• When open, make sure everyone checks in everywhere, every time
• Update your COVIDSafe Plan 
• Support your workers to get vaccinated when they’re eligible.

UDIA Victoria will continue to update you with further details as soon as possible.