Due to concerns about COVID-19 case numbers and transmission risk, the Victorian Government has announced a two-week shutdown for construction in metropolitan Melbourne and other local government areas currently in lockdown.
Other areas include the City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and Mitchell Shire.
The shutdown was effective from 11.59 pm on Monday, September 20 and involves complete site closures, with exemptions only available to workers responding to emergencies or performing urgent and essential work.
An amnesty will be put in place so limited workers can attend construction sites in order to shut them down safely; no new work is to be completed.
This action follows concerns that the state has seen multiple outbreaks linked to construction sites.
“Construction workers are a mobile workforce who may work across multiple sites and travel longer distances to work than other permitted workers,” a spokesperson for the Andrews Government said.
“Concerns have also been raised, and remain, about the sector’s compliance with public health measures and directions.”
Minister for Health Martin Foley announced that construction workers are now eligible for priority access for vaccine appointments.
From 11.59pm September 23, all construction workers require at least their first dose of the vaccine.
Sites will need to demonstrate compliance with Chief Health Officer Directions prior to reopening, including evidence that workers have received at least one dose of the vaccine before returning to site on 5 October.
A COVID-19 disaster payment is available to help workers who are unable to earn income due do the public health orders.
For more information visit the Services Australia website.
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