Coronavirus (COVID-19)

For the latest information, visit the Coronavirus website.

Construction sector guidance

Important COVID-19 update: COVIDSafe restrictions have eased

at 22 October 2021

The Victorian Government has announced Victoria has hit its 70 per cent double dose COVID-19 vaccination target nearly a week early and significant restrictions have eased. Thank you to every Victorian for going out and getting vaccinated.

The changes which came into effect from 11.59pm Thursday 21 October include:

All construction projects (large scale, small scale construction and early stage land development projects) can return to 100 per cent of their workforce.
Workers at all construction sites will need to adhere to the schedule in the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Specified Facilities) Directions, requiring them to have had their first COVID-19 vaccination dose by 22 October 2021, and a second COVID-19 vaccination dose by 13 November 2021, unless a valid medical exemption applies.
Construction, building and non-essential maintenance work can also recommence at occupied premises in metropolitan Melbourne. This will mean:
- Workers will be able to work both indoors and outdoors at occupied premises.
- Workers can work in occupied premises where the work must take place in the home, for example, cleaning, maintenance and renovations.

For more information about work at occupied premises and workforce limits, read the Construction sector page – Frequently asked questions.

The next milestone in Victoria’s Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan will be when Victoria hits the 80 per cent double dose vaccination target, which is predicted to be the first week of November.
The more Victorians who get vaccinated, the sooner we will hit the next target and further restrictions will ease.

For more information about the Roadmap or to book a vaccination, visit the Covid website.

Important COVID-19 update: Construction reopens today

at 5 October 2021

The Victorian Government's COVIDSafe restart of the construction industry starts today.

Construction site operators must complete the COVIDSafe construction declaration before returning to work.

The declaration details the COVID related health and safety responsibilities site operators must uphold at all worksites.

From today

All construction sites

All workers must have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
All critical and essential infrastructure sites can reopen and return to 100 per cent of their workforce if crib rooms have best practice approaches including ventilation and density limits
Crib rooms may only be used in line with best practice guidelines.
Crib room best practice guidelines include following the ‘COVID-19 Best practice approaches for safe worker amenities on construction sites’ including density quotient of one person per four square metres; and additional ventilation so that entire air volume of the room replaced or filtered every 10 to 12 minutes.
Operators must have worker shift bubbles where practical.

Small-Scale Construction Sites

A small-scale site is capped at five people plus a supervisor.
COVID Marshals on small scale construction sites may be a site supervisor who performs the role of COVID Marshal for multiple sites at the same time.
Workers on small scale construction sites may travel between metropolitan Melbourne or an LGA under lockdown restrictions and regional Victoria to work if they are fully vaccinated or an excepted person.

Large-scale construction sites and State-critical infrastructure projects

At all critical and essential infrastructure sites, crib rooms must meet best practice standards or be closed.
Large-scale sites are capped at:
- 25 per cent of the workforce, or
- 50 per cent, if crib rooms meet best practice standards and all workers are fully vaccinated (or an excepted person).
Workers on large-scale or State-critical infrastructure projects are permitted to travel between metropolitan Melbourne or an LGA under lockdown restrictions and regional Victoria to work on construction sites if they have received at least one vaccination dose, unless they are an excepted person. However, workers who have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine must be tested before crossing between metropolitan Melbourne or an LGA under lockdown restrictions and regional Victoria and they must get tested twice a week, with at least 72 hours between each test, until they receive their second dose (unless they are an excepted person).

Early stage land development sites

Early development sites are capped at 20 workers per hectare, subject to the controls specified above for all sites.
Workers on early development sites may travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria to work if they have received at least one vaccination dose. However, workers who have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine must be tested before crossing between metropolitan Melbourne or an LGA under lockdown restrictions and regional Victoria and they must get tested twice a week, with at least 72 hours between each test, until they receive their second dose (unless they are an excepted person).

From 70 per cent double dose (estimated 26 October)

Large scale sites can go to 100 per cent if all workers on site are fully vaccinated.

From 80 per cent double dose (estimated 5 November)

Workforce restrictions that limit the number of workers onsite and movement between sites will be removed, if those workers are fully vaccinated.
Pre-existing requirements such as COVIDSafe Plans will remain in place.
All construction workers must be fully vaccinated by 13 November.

To book a vaccination through state-run centres, or to see links for how to book at your local GP or pharmacy, visit the website.

The Victorian Government’s dedicated Industry Engagement and Enforcement Operation will continue to enforce workplace directions, targeting areas of high non-compliance or health risk.

Construction businesses can expect a visit at any time from Authorised Officers, who can issue fines and enforce closures.

For more information, visit the construction sector COVIDSafe restart plan.

Important COVID-19 update: Construction sector COVID-19 vaccination clarification

at 3 October 2021

The Victorian Government has further clarified the vaccination requirements under its COVIDSafe restart of the construction industry on Tuesday October 5.

The definition of fully vaccinated has been updated to mean having had both vaccinations, not one vaccination and a booking by Saturday 13 November.

You can find more information about the Construction Restart Plan, including frequently asked questions, on the coronavirus website.

Construction to re-open on October 5

at 1 October 2021

The Victorian Government has announced a plan for the COVIDSafe restart of the construction industry on Tuesday 5 October 2021.

The plan provides a framework for the removal of workforce caps, while also ensuring the safety of workers, their families and our community.

The Victorian Government’s dedicated Industry Engagement and Enforcement Operation will continue to enforce workplace directions, targeting areas of high non-compliance or health risk. Construction businesses can expect a visit at any time from Authorised Officers, who can issue fines and enforce closures.

Prior to Tuesday 5 October

Before the site reopens, the site operator must complete a COVIDSafe construction declaration form available on the Service Victoria platform from Saturday 2 October. This will make it easier for construction workplaces to follow the Chief Health Officer directions and keep worksites safe. Workers can enter a site to improve crib facilities, receive deliveries and for site re-induction.
Your COVIDSafe Plan should be reviewed and updated regularly and discussed with your workers.

From Tuesday 5 October

All Construction Sites

All workers must have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Fully vaccinated means having both vaccinations, or one vaccination and a booking by Saturday 13 November.
State Critical infrastructure Projects can return to 100 per cent of their workforce if crib rooms have best practice approaches including ventilation and density limits
Crib rooms may be used, provided they meet the best practise guidelines.
Crib room best practice standard includes following the ‘COVID-19 Mandatory minimum requirements and best practice approaches for safe worker amenities on construction sites’ including density quotient 1 per person per 4sqm; and additional ventilation so that entire air volume of the room replaced or filtered every 10 to 12 minutes.
Workers moving between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria must be fully vaccinated, unless they are working on large scale sites or state-critical infrastructure.
Operators must have worker shift bubbles where practical.

Small Construction Sites

Small scale sites are capped at five people per site, plus a supervisor
COVID Marshals on small scale construction sites may be a site supervisor

Large Scale Construction Sites and State Critical Infrastructure Projects

Large scale sites are capped at:
- 25 per cent of the workforce, or
- 50 per cent, if crib rooms follows best practice standards and all workers are fully vaccinated
Workers on large scale sites or state-critical infrastructure projects are permitted to travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria to work on construction sites if they have received at least one vaccination dose. However, single vaccinated workers must be tested before crossing the boundary and they must get tested twice a week, with at least 72 hours between each test, until they receive their second dose.

Early Development Sites

Early development sites increase from 10 to 20 workers per hectare, subject to the controls specified above for all sites

From 70 per cent double dose (estimated 26 October)

Large scale sites can go to 100 per cent, if and all workers on the site are fully vaccinated.
Worker caps will progressively increase as the rate of vaccination increases in the broader Victorian community.
Recommended that building fit-outs re-commence.

From 80 per cent double dose (estimated 5 November)

Remaining workforce restrictions will be removed, other than pre-existing requirements such as COVIDSafe Plans, provided all workers on the construction site are fully vaccinated.

Best practice ventilation of crib rooms

Wherever possible, workers should have their meals or other breaks outside, while maintaining physical distancing.
Apply density limits.
Adequate air movement is necessary and can be achieved through natural ventilation.
Open doors and windows allowing fresh air from outside. If this is not possible use exhaust fans to increase air flow.
Where mechanical ventilation is used, some adjustment in the Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) management plan may be necessary.
Air should be refreshed five or six times an hour in a designated tea or meal room; that is, the entire air volume should be replaced or filtered every 10 to 12 minutes.
If this is not possible, fans should direct air to an open space, based on advice from engineering services or an occupational hygienist.

Compliance

Authorised Officers will increase over the next six weeks to support compliance and enforcement efforts.
Sites will be shut down if they are non-compliant and penalties will increase.

at 21 September 2021

Construction industry shutdown FAQ

A number of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the construction industry shutdown have been answered.

The construction sector guidance frequently asked questions (FAQ) page on coronavirus.vic.gov.au has been updated to include information about the construction industry shutdown in metropolitan Melbourne, City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong, the Surf Coast Shire and Mitchell Shire.

You can find answers to questions about the construction shutdown.

Important COVID-19 update: Construction industry to shutdown for two weeks

at 20 September 2021

The Victorian Government has announced construction will shutdown in metropolitan Melbourne and other Local Government Areas currently in lockdown for two weeks from 11.59pm tonight, Monday 20 September.

The decision is due to continued concern about case numbers, transmission risk and reduced compliance.

The immediate shut down action is being taken to reduce movement, minimise transmission and allow for the entire industry to appropriately adapt to the Chief Health Officer Directions, including increasing vaccination rates.

All construction projects in metropolitan Melbourne, the City of Ballarat, the City of Greater Geelong, the Surf Coast Shire and the Mitchell Shire will be closed.

There will be a strictly limited exemption for workers to attend sites to respond to an emergency or perform urgent and essential work to protect health and safety.

An amnesty will be put in place so that a limited number of workers can attend construction sites to shut them down safely.

All government construction projects in metropolitan Melbourne and relevant Local Government Areas will be closed, with no new work to be completed – other than work required to make the site safe and secure.

All sites will be required to demonstrate compliance with Chief Health Officer Directions prior to reopening – including the requirement for workers to show evidence to their employer of having had one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before they return to site on 5 October.

The Government will continue to work with the industry to get as many workers vaccinated as possible – with the priority blitz continuing until Sunday 26 September, including walk-up appointments (without a booking) available at key sites. For more information about priority vaccine access, visit the website.

A COVID-19 disaster payment is available to help workers unable to earn income due to public health orders, with more information available at the website.

The Victorian Government will work with stakeholders over coming days to determine the best way for the industry to show full compliance with the Directions.

Important COVID-19 update: Mandatory vaccination for construction workers

at 17 September 2021

Public health officials have become increasingly concerned about COVID-19 transmission and exposure in construction settings. Construction workers are often highly mobile and the risk of spreading coronavirus in these settings as evidenced by recent outbreaks is concerning. Therefore, the Victorian Government has announced that construction workers across Victoria will need to show evidence to their employer that they have had a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by 11.59pm on Thursday 23 September.

Limited medical exemptions and proof-of-booking exceptions will apply, in line with previous requirements for residential aged care workers.

Employers will be required to keep a record of their employees’ COVID-19 vaccinations.

In a further tightening of COVIDSafe settings for the industry to slow the spread of coronavirus, construction workers will not be able to cross the metropolitan-regional boundary for work effective immediately, in light of COVID-19 cases seeding from Melbourne into regional Victoria. We understand this may be difficult to manage but we have to play our part to keep the industry and its workers safe.

From 11.59pm Friday 17 September, tea rooms will also close and food or drink cannot be consumed indoors at work.

Worker shift bubbles must be operating, and all sites require a COVIDSafe Marshal on site.

These measures are in place to ensure the construction industry can continue to operate in a COVIDSafe way.

Priority COVID-19 vaccination for the construction sector

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect our workforce from further outbreaks of COVID-19. Getting vaccinated protects you, your colleagues, your family and our community.

As announced on Monday, construction workers have priority access to COVID-19 vaccination.

Four major vaccination centres are open to construction workers, without a booking, every day until 26 September.

The Ford Campbellfield site, the Heidelberg Repat, Eagle Stadium in Wyndham, and the former Bunnings in Melton are open for walk-up appointments for construction workers from 8am until 11am over the next fortnight.

The Ford and Repat sites will open again for walk-ups daily between 5pm and 8pm, with the Wyndham and Melton sites open for walk-ups between 5pm and 6pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Pfizer will be offered to attendees under the age of 60.

For full details on locations, visit Vaccination centres

20,000 priority Pfizer appointments will made available to construction workers at all sites across Victoria (excluding drive-through sites).

Workers should book an appointment via the Coronavirus hotline, 1800 675 398, this week, to ensure they receive priority access. These priority appointments will be available through to Sunday 19 September.

AstraZeneca walk-ups will be available for construction workers at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre each afternoon from 3pm, for a fortnight.

Anyone who works at a site where civil works, building or construction activities take place, including contractors and architects working onsite, are eligible.

You can also get your COVID-19 vaccine by booking at a doctor’s clinic, pharmacy or community health service.

For more information about getting vaccinated, visit COVID-19 Vaccines

Construction site COVID-19 compliance blitz is underway

The Victorian Government’s four-week COVID-19 compliance blitz at Victorian construction sites is underway.

This operation has adopted a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to non-compliance.

Construction workers are reminded that they must use the Victorian Government QR Code Service, to check in on site everywhere, every time.

Face masks must be worn indoors and outdoors, unless you have a lawful reason not to.

Thank you for doing your part to keep all Victorians safe and construction operating.

Important COVID-19 update: Priority vaccinations for construction workers and construction site compliance blitz

at 13 September 2021

Due to ongoing concerns around the spread of COVID-19 in the construction industry, the Victorian Government has announced a priority COVID-19 vaccination program and compliance blitz.

COVID-19 priority vaccination program for the construction sector

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect the workforce from further outbreaks of COVID-19 and will give us more options in dealing with this pandemic. Getting vaccinated protects you, your colleagues and families and our entire community.

To increase vaccination coverage among construction workers, Victoria will open the doors of four major vaccination centres to walk-ups without a booking, every day from today until 26 September.

The Ford Campbellfield site, the Heidelberg Repat, Eagle Stadium in Wyndham, and the former Bunnings in Melton will open for walk-ups for construction workers from 8am until 11am over the next fortnight.

The Ford and Repat sites will open again for walk-ups daily between 5pm and 8pm, with the Wyndham and Melton sites open for walk-ups between 5pm and 6pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Pfizer will be offered to attendees under the age of 60.

Some 20,000 priority Pfizer appointments will made available to construction workers at all sites across Victoria (excluding drive-through sites).

Workers should book an appointment via the Coronavirus hotline, 1800 675 398, this week, to ensure they receive priority access. These priority appointments will be available through to Sunday 19 September.

AstraZeneca walk-ups will be available for construction workers at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre each afternoon from 3pm, for a fortnight.

The Victorian Government will also provide Incolink, an industry fund supporting construction workers, with unlimited supply of AstraZeneca for its COVID-19 construction vaccination program.

Anyone who works at a site where civil works, building or construction activities take place, including contractors and architects working onsite, will be eligible.

It’s important to remember any Victorian, including construction workers, can also book to get vaccinated with their local GP or selected pharmacists across the state.

COVID-19 compliance blitz at Victorian construction sites

A four-week blitz will be carried out by the State Government’s Industry Enforcement and Engagement Operation, in partnership with the Victorian Building Authority and Worksafe.

Given the increased public health risks, the joint operation will have a ‘zero tolerance’ approach.

The blitz will be supported by additional engagement with the construction industry, including targeted engagement with small to medium size construction businesses to support sub-contractors in understanding their obligations under the CHO Directions.

QR Code check-in and face masks are mandatory on construction sites

Construction workers are reminded that they must check-in on site using the Victorian Government QR Code Service.

Face masks must be worn indoors and outdoors, unless you have a lawful reason not to.

Regularly check current exposure sites and take appropriate action if you have visited any of these locations.

For more information about how the construction sector is operating, a dedicated construction sector guidance page, including FAQ, has been established and updated.

For a detailed overview of all restrictions, visit the website.

Thank you for doing your part to keep Victorians safe and construction open.

at 9 September 2021

COVID-19 restrictions to lift for regional Victoria

Dear Nicholas

The Victorian Government has announced lockdown restrictions will be lifted in regional Victoria from 11.59 pm on Thursday 9 September.

A summary of the changes is outlined below. For a detailed overview of the restrictions changes, see the Table of Restrictions.

There is no change to restrictions for the construction sector.

Key points:

The five reasons to leave home will be removed in regional Victoria, except for Greater Shepparton.
There will be no limit on the distance regional Victorians can travel from home – other than restrictions on entry to metropolitan Melbourne.
Regional Victorians will return to the rule ‘if you can work from home, you should work from home’ but up to 25 per cent capacity of office workers may return, or up to 10 people, whichever is greater.

There remains a significant risk of Delta cases seeding from NSW or metropolitan Melbourne. Therefore:

There is no change to restrictions for the construction sector.
Restaurants and cafes can reopen for seated service with patron caps.
Retail, hairdressing, entertainment venues and community facilities will also open with density limits and patron caps.
Masks will continue to be required indoors and outdoors, including workplaces, unless an exception applies.
While restrictions remain in metropolitan Melbourne, businesses that are open in regional Victoria – such as restaurants or beauty services – must check the IDs of everyone they serve.
Funerals will be permitted for up to 20 people and weddings will be permitted for up to 10 people, plus those required to conduct the service. Stricter limits will be in place for weddings and funerals if people from Melbourne are in attendance.
Regional schools will reopen for onsite learning for Prep to Grade 2 and Year 12 students. Remote learning will remain for all other levels. Onsite supervision at schools is available for vulnerable children and children of essential workers in all year levels, including for students from metropolitan Melbourne.

Restriction update for metropolitan Melbourne

There is one change to restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne. Single parents will now be able to access childcare, regardless of whether they are an authorised worker.

Keeping regional communities safe

Victoria Police will significantly expand their operation along the metropolitan border to protect regional Victoria. Police in regional Victoria will also conduct spot checks. The fine for breaching the Chief Health Officer’s directions is $5,452.

Vaccination update

When more people are vaccinated, there will be fewer outbreaks and less need for restrictions.

All Victorians are encouraged to book their vaccination by visiting the website or by phoning the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

Group bookings are now available at the website.

at 1 September 2021

Victoria's lockdown extended

The Victorian Government has announced that the statewide lockdown will be extended due to the level of community transmission of COVID-19 and the number of unlinked cases.

Almost all of the current restrictions will remain in place until 70 per cent of Victorians have had at least one dose of vaccine. This is estimated to be around 23 September.

When 70 per cent of Victorians have had at least one vaccine dose, the government will look to increasing the number of construction workers on site to 50 per cent when 90 per cent of workers have received at least one vaccine dose.

Until then, there are still only five reasons to leave home: shopping for food and supplies, authorised work and study, care and caregiving, exercise, and getting vaccinated. Other restrictions – including wearing face masks – will stay the same.

However, from 11.59pm on Thursday 2 September:

Playgrounds will re-open – with strict rules to keep everyone safe, including QR codes for checking in.
In-home care – like babysitters – will be expanded to school aged children but only if both parents are authorised workers.

While these restrictions are implemented statewide for now, consideration will be given to easing restrictions in parts of regional Victoria next week.

The construction sector page on the website has FAQs on the current restrictions.

Next steps

When 70 per cent of Victorians have had at least one vaccine dose, the government will look to ease restrictions further:

Increasing the number of construction workers on site to 50 per cent when 90 per cent of workers have received at least one vaccine dose.
Allowing up to five staff to work onsite at entertainment venues to broadcast performances.
Permitting private inspections of unoccupied premises for a new purchase or end of lease. Only one household may attend at a time, with the agent staying outdoors during the inspection.
Allowing outdoor personal training with up to two people plus the trainer.
Expanding the 5km radius to 10km – so exercise and shopping can take place up to 10km from your home. If there are no shops in your 10km radius, you may travel to the one that is closest to you.
Increasing exercise time by an extra hour – to up to three hours per day.
Reopening outdoor communal gym equipment and skateparks.

When 70 per cent and 80 per cent of Victorians have received both doses, more restrictions will be eased at set intervals as part of the National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response.

Vaccination appointments update

Getting vaccinated has never been more important. The best vaccine is the vaccine you can get today. While there are limited Pfizer appointments because of supply, there are 72,745 AstraZeneca appointments available across Victoria over the next three weeks. AstraZeneca is a safe and effective vaccine.

All Victorians are encouraged, where possible, to book their vaccination appointment by visiting the Portal or by phoning the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

For a detailed overview of the restrictions, visit the website.

Thank you for doing your part to keep Victoria safe.

at 21 August 2021

Regional Victoria to enter lockdown

The Victorian Government has announced that regional Victoria will enter lockdown from 1pm today, Saturday 21 August.

All metropolitan Melbourne restrictions – excluding the curfew – will be implemented across regional Victoria until 11.59pm Thursday, 2 September.

This is due to the ongoing level of community transmission, the large number of mystery cases and a surge of new cases and exposures sites outside of metropolitan Melbourne.

The construction sector page on the website has FAQs on the current restrictions.

For regional Victoria, this means:

There are only five reasons to leave home: to get the food and the supplies you need, to exercise for up to two hours (no more than 5km from your home), for care or caregiving, authorised work or education if you can’t do it from home, or to get vaccinated at the nearest possible location.
Face masks will still be mandatory outdoors and indoors (not at home) unless an exception applies – this includes all workplaces.
To give industry time to adjust, workforce permits will be required to leave the house for authorised work from 11.59pm Monday 23 August.
Workforce limits apply to the construction industry from 1pm today, however industry will be engaged about safely reducing staff numbers as they secure sites.
Playgrounds, basketball hoops, skate parks and outdoor exercise equipment will be closed.
Masks will also not be able to be removed to drink alcoholic beverages.
Exercise will be limited to just one other person, plus dependants if they can’t be left at home.
People cannot have visitors to the home.

Additional restriction changes for metropolitan Melbourne

The curfew of 9pm-5am remains in place in metropolitan Melbourne.

Further, changes will be made to metropolitan businesses operating in high-risk industries – like abattoirs, meat, poultry, and seafood processing – with additional obligations such as workforce limits and mandatory surveillance testing to be implemented.

Closure of childcare and attendance permit system

Childcare centres across Victoria will be closed except to children whose parents are authorised workers and cannot be supervised at home. A permit system will apply, and further details will be provided. Vulnerable children will be permitted to attend.

Mask recommendation for primary school aged children

Victoria’s public health team is also strongly recommending that primary school aged children, when they are not at home, also wear a mask as an extra precaution against this virus.

For a detailed overview of the restrictions, see the Table of Restrictions or visit the website.

Vaccination appointments update

The best vaccine you can get is the one that you can get today.

There are more than 390,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointments available over the next four weeks. All eligible Victorians are being asked to book appointments today.

We strongly suggest that Victorians who have already booked in for their Astra Zeneca vaccine, do not cancel that appointment.

All Victorians are encouraged where possible to book their vaccination appointment by visiting the Portal or by phoning the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

at 18 August 2021

COVID-19 construction sector FAQs have been updated

The construction sector page on the website has updated FAQs on the current restrictions.

The State Critical Infrastructure List has been approved and is also published on the construction sector page.

There is also more information available about the Authorised provider and authorised worker permit.

Face masks are mandatory at all workplaces, unless an exception applies.

Here is a summary of the key changes for the construction industry.

A curfew has been introduced from 9pm to 5am. Authorised workers are permitted to travel to and from work even when the curfew is in place.
Apply a density quotient of one person per four square metres at all sites. Staffing reductions apply, except for critical infrastructure and emergency repairs.
Employers must limit movement of workers between construction sites, except in relation to supervisors on small-scale construction sites, specialist contractors (up to three construction sites per week), specialists who provide safety services, or those required to meet statutory obligations or requirements (e.g., auditors, building inspectors or surveyors).
Authorised workers living in Melbourne are required to carry permits when working and travelling for work. This includes apprentices training with an Authorised Provider or Authorised Worker.
Permits need to be certified by an employer.
Victorians living in regional Victoria and entering metropolitan Melbourne for authorised work must also obtain a permit.
The provision for outdoor work at occupied premises is for a single authorised worker, except where it is dangerous to work alone, in which case a supervisor is allowed. This includes:
- Outdoor maintenance, repairs, cleaning and other building work, including construction and building services such as gardening, landscaping, painting and building design.
- Home renovations and installations (outdoor only)
- Home solar panel installations (only for outdoor work or in roof cavities with external access).

Important COVID-19 information for the construction sector

at 16 August 2021

The Victorian Government has announced the current lockdown across metropolitan Melbourne will be extended and a curfew put in place until 11.59pm on Thursday, 2 September. For an overview of the restrictions, please see the updated Table of Restrictions.

Here is a summary of the key changes for the construction industry.

From 11:59pm last night, Monday 16 August:

A curfew will be imposed from 9pm to 5am. Authorised workers are permitted to travel to and from work even when the curfew is in place.
Apply a density quotient of one person per four square metres at all sites. Staffing reductions apply, except for critical infrastructure and emergency repairs.
At large scale construction sites, staffing must reduce to 25 per cent of a project's resourcing plan as of 11:59pm 16 August, 2021 or five workers on site, whichever is higher.
At small scale construction, there is a limit of five workers on site.
At early stage residential land development sites, there is a limit of 10 workers per hectare at any one time.
In order to calculate 25 per cent of a project’s resourcing plan, you must take the daily average number of workers on the large-scale construction site across the project lifecycle, as derived from the large-scale construction site’s resourcing plan as of 16 August.
Employers must limit movement of workers between construction sites, except in relation to supervisors on small-scale construction sites, specialist contractors (up to three construction sites per week), specialists who provide safety services, or those required to meet statutory obligations or requirements (e.g., auditors, building inspectors or surveyors).
The provision for outdoor work at occupied premises returns to a single authorised worker, except where it is dangerous to work alone, in which case a supervisor is allowed.

From 11:59pm on Tuesday 17 August:

Authorised workers living in Melbourne will be required to carry permits when working and travelling for work. This includes apprentices training with an Authorised Provider or Authorised Worker.
Permits need to be certified by an employer
Victorians living in regional Victoria and entering metropolitan Melbourne for authorised work must also obtain a permit.

This means employers must:

Keep a record of all Authorised Worker Permits they have issued and, on request, produce this record to an Authorised Officer, a Victoria Police Officer or a Protective Services Officer
Record relevant details of the employer
Include a signed declaration by the employer, or its authorised representative.

An employee is permitted to travel to, and enter, a Work Premises without a current Authorised Worker Permit where:

the primary purpose of the employee’s travel and attendance at the Work Premises is to obtain their first Authorised Worker Permit from an employer; or
the employee is required to work from the Work Premises at short notice, making it impractical for the worker to receive a current Authorised Worker Permit.

More information on the Authorised provider and authorised worker permit is available on the coronavirus website.

More information specific to the construction industry is available on the construction sector page.

Face masks are mandatory indoors (not at home) and outdoors, including all workplaces, unless an exception applies.

All Victorians are encouraged to book their vaccination appointment by visiting the Portal website or by phoning the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

Visit the website for more information on Victoria’s vaccination centres, including locations and opening hours.

Important information for businesses

Cleaning, signage, record keeping, and other COVIDSafe requirements continue to apply for all venues and facilities with on-site operations.

All businesses are encouraged to use the Victorian Government QR Code Service and to ensure that customers check in. It is mandatory for some sectors to use the Victorian Government QR Code Service – see the full list.

Your business must have an active, up-to-date COVIDSafe Plan.

Businesses that fail to do the right thing face significant fines.

Stay up to date

Stay up to date with the latest exposure sites.

Anyone with symptoms should get tested immediately.

The list of testing sites includes wait times.

For more information go to the Coronavirus website or call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15.

Advice for practitioners

Comprehensive guidelines have been created to outline the steps to be taken to best provide a safe and healthy environment, and identify the action available in the event of interruption to building and construction work as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

These Guidelines have been adopted and agreed by the Victorian Building and Construction Unions and Employer and Industry Associations, and endorsed by the Building Industry Consultative Council.

They are regularly updated to reflect changes resulting from Government announcements, directions of the Victorian Chief Health Officer and best practices.

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