Current restrictions in Victoria

Visit the Coronavirus.vic.gov.au website for more information on current Victoria restrictions.

Victoria reduces COVID-19 booster dose interval to three months

Victoria has reduced the dose interval for COVID-19 booster shots to three months effective immediately. Visit the 9 News website to watch the Victorian Press Conference from 19.1.2022

Third dose mandate
Agriculture Victoria has advised that businesses who have large packing sheds where the main business is distribution of packed items to retail and supermarket distribution centres are part of the 3^rd COVID vaccine dose mandate.  Workers in the distribution part of the business (i.e. forklift drivers, packers, packer supervisors) must have a third vaccination by 12/2/2022 or 12/3/2022 depending on when their second vaccine dose happened.  Other workers, for example office staff or pickers in an adjacent orchard, are not mandated for a 3^rd dose although this is highly recommended.  https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/worker-vaccination-requirements#third-dose-vaccination-requirements
 
Exemptions for Asymptomatic close contacts
Workers at all points on a farm are considered critical workers in the supply chain.  Growers who have workers who are close contacts can follow this exemption.
https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist-contacts
Scroll down to the end for Exemptions. Relevant category is:
• Critical food industry workers (inc food industry distribution workers)
 
COVID Outbreak on a farm
If your farm has more than 5 workers diagnosed with COVID in a 7 day period, you must advise the Department of Health.  Case in the workplace | Coronavirus Victoria  Dept of Health is currently working with farms that have had substantial outbreaks to ensure the farms can continue to operate.  If your operation is severely affected as you have a substantial number of workers diagnosed with COVID and you have not heard from the Dept of Health, please call Leanne at FGV on 0448 288 253. 

More detailed information on any of these points can be found at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/

Current restrictions in Victoria

Visit the Coronavirus.vic.gov.au website for more information on current Victoria restrictions.

Guidelines for reporting COVID-19 cases in the workplace have changed
Employers and self-employed persons are no longer required to notify WorkSafe if a worker with COVID-19 attends their workplace unless they became aware of the positive diagnosis before 14 January 2022. Any confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis attending the workplace before 14 January 2022 still needs to be reported to WorkSafe by contacting WorkSafe Advisory Service. Visit the Worksafe Victoria website for more information.

Victoria reduces COVID-19 booster dose interval to three months

Victoria has reduced the dose interval for COVID-19 booster shots to three months effective immediately. Visit the 9 News website to watch the Victorian Press Conference from 19.1.2022

More detailed information on any of these points can be found at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/

Current restrictions in Victoria

Visit the Coronavirus.vic.gov.au website for more information on current Victoria restrictions.

Guidelines for reporting COVID-19 cases in the workplace have changed
Employers and self-employed persons are no longer required to notify WorkSafe if a worker with COVID-19 attends their workplace unless they became aware of the positive diagnosis before 14 January 2022. Any confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis attending the workplace before 14 January 2022 still needs to be reported to WorkSafe by contacting WorkSafe Advisory Service. Visit the Worksafe Victoria website for more information.

Case in the workplace

Information and advice for businesses who have a COVID-19 case in the workplace. Visit the Coronavirus Victoria website for more information. 

Unpaid pandemic leave in awards
The Commission has extended the entitlement to unpaid pandemic leave under Schedule X, with the provisions now ending in most awards from 30 June 2022. The entitlement to take annual leave at half pay hasn’t been extended and will end on 31 December 2021. Visit the Fairwork website for more information..

Covid-19 Test and Isolate Protocols
This fact sheet provides information about COVID-19 Test & Isolate National Protocols from 1 January 2022. You can download the Factsheet here..

More detailed information on any of these points can be found at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/

Keeping safe in horticulture this harvest season - FREE webinars

Agriculture Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria, along with the Labour Hire Authority, the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) are holding harvest webinars in December and January to assist horticulture producers in navigating the latest requirements. Our operational staff can answer your questions and provide additional information. Download the full brochure here..

• Wednesday 19 January 2022- Book here

Current restrictions in Victoria

Visit the Coronavirus.vic.gov.au website for more information on current Victoria restrictions.

Your COVID Checklist
What to do if you test positive to COVID-19 or if you've been told you are a contact. Visit the coronavirus.com.au website for more information.

Rapid antigen tests
Advice for Victorians on when and how to use rapid antigen tests can be found at the coronavirus.com.au website.
Under new pandemic orders that came into effect at 11.59pm on 6.1.2022, people who test positive on a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will be considered probable cases and be subject to the same requirements as confirmed cases from a PCR test – they must isolate immediately for seven days and notify their contacts. It will be mandatory to report the result of a positive RAT to the Department of Health through an online form or by phone – ensuring people can access the care and information they need, including monitoring for worsening symptoms and financial support for isolation. A full Media Release from the Premier of Victoria can be downloaded here.

Confirmed case in the workplace- Updated 31/12/2021
Information and advice for businesses who have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the workplace. Visit coronavirus.com.au for more information on what to do. 

Unpaid pandemic leave in awards
The Commission has extended the entitlement to unpaid pandemic leave under Schedule X, with the provisions now ending in most awards from 30 June 2022. The entitlement to take annual leave at half pay hasn’t been extended and will end on 31 December 2021. Visit the Fairwork website for more information..

Density restrictions return for indoor entertainment and hospitality venues
Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley has announced a density limit of one person per two square metres will return to indoor entertainment and hospitality venues in Victoria. Visit the 9News website to watch the full update.

Covid-19 Test and Isolate Protocols
This fact sheet provides information about COVID-19 Test & Isolate National Protocols from 1 January 2022. You can download the Factsheet here..

More detailed information on any of these points can be found at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/

Media Release - Safety a focus of farm visits

WorkSafe, Department of Justice and Community Safety and the Labour Hire Authority visited 38 horticulture businesses in the Koo Wee Rup, Lang Lang and Cardinia regions after an online farm safety webinar in October. Inspectors and authorised officers were on site to help growers comply with workplace health and safety obligations, COVID-19 requirements and the proper provision of labour hire workers through a licenced provider. View the full Media Release here...