INDUSTRY UPDATE | Metro Melbourne Moves Into Step 2 of the Roadmap out of Lockdown

Premier Dan Andrews has confirmed Metro Melbourne will move into Step 2 of the roadmap out of lockdown as of 11:59pm on Sunday 27 September, 2020.

Based on case outcomes being ahead of target at this point, Andrews also noted a shift to the originally proposed dates for moving to Step 3 (end of October) and Step 4 (end of November). The intention now will be to move to Step 3 on Monday 19 October, of course subject to case numbers and trigger points.

Below are the basics of how this impacts our industry and links to more detailed information.

• The Manufacturing sector will be permitted to operate at a “Restricted” level.

• Retail in our industry, defined as Retail (other), will see no change, operating at “Heavily Restricted - Click and Collect within 5km or delivery only”.

A LOOK AT SOME OF THE REQUIREMENTS

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Ensure Physical Distancing

• Staff and visitors must be 1.5m apart at all times

• Density quotient applied to share spaces (e.g. workspace, tearooms)

• Display signs showing patron limits at the entrance to enclosed areas where limits apply

• Use floor markings to provide minimum physical distancing guides 

• Minimise the build-up of people waiting to enter and exit the workplace

• Provide training to staff on physical distancing expectations while working and socialising (including during lunch breaks)

Additional Requirements for Manufacturing - Restricted Level:

• Manufacturing that was closed in Heavily Restricted phase can operate at a maximum of 90% of normal daily worker level

• Staff who can work from home, should work from home

• Carpooling restricted as per public health directions

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Wear a Mask

• All staff to wear a mask as per current directions

• Provide training/guidance on how to use PPE

• Install screens or barriers

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Practise Good Hygiene

• Frequent and regular cleaning and disinfection of shared spaces

• Make soap and hand sanitiser available for all staff and customers throughout the workplace

• Replace high-touch communal items with hygienic alternatives

• Display a cleaning log in shared spaces

Additional Requirements for Manufacturing - Restricted Level:

• Auditing of cleaning log

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Keep Records and Act Quickly if Staff Become Unwell

• Support staff to stay home and get tested even if they only have mild symptoms

• Have a plan to manage cases, notify others and potentially close down if there are coronavirus (COVID-19) cases

• Keep records of all people who enter the workplace for contact tracing

• Temperature checking

Additional Requirements for Manufacturing - Restricted Level:

• Ask staff to declare verbally before each shift that are free of symptoms

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Avoid Interactions in Enclosed Spaces

• Move as much activity outside as possible, including serving customers, meetings, kitchens, tearooms and lunch breaks

• Enhance airflow by opening windows and doors

• Do not recirculate air

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Create Workforce Bubbles

• Keep  groups of staff rostered on the same shifts for a given geographic area/site

• No overlap in shift changes

Additional Requirements for Manufacturing - Restricted Level:

• Should minimise number of staff members working across other work sites

• Keep groups of staff rostered on the same shifts/areas within a site

• No overlap in shift changes (where applicable)

Relevant Resources

Premier Statement - https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-from-the-premier-27-09-2020

Details specific to Steps and industries via the Vic Gov website - https://www.vic.gov.au/industry-restrictions-roadmap-metro-melbourne

Business Information - https://www.business.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19/business-support/coronavirus-business-information

Creating a COVIDSafe Plan - https://www.business.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-safe-business/covid-safe-plan

Outline of community permissions from Step 1 into Step 2 - https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-09/Metro_Melb_Second_Step_1.pdf

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Stay safe everyone!