Current News

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 come into effect at 11.59pm tonight (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. 

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.

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The Energy Efficient Communities Program – Food and Beverage Manufacturing Business Grants is open from 12/1/2022 to 18/2/2022.  Find out more information here: Energy Efficient Communities (EEC) Program - Food and Beverage Manufacturing Business Grants | business.gov.au. The grant provides small/medium manufacturing businesses up to $25,000 to improve energy efficiency practices and technologies and better manage energy consumption to reduce their power bills.

Current restrictions in Victoria

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

COVID-19 Restriction Checker
Visit healthdirect.gov.au for a quick and easy guide to Covid Restrictions in each state and territory. 

Third dose booster interval reduced
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended a five month interval between second and third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, reduced from six months. Visit the health.vic.gov.au website for more information

Victorian horticulture businesses still have time to receive extra support during the summer harvest to attract and retain new workers – but they must hurry, the Summer Seasonal Sign-on Bonus program closes on 31 December. Horticultural businesses can promote the Summer Seasonal Sign-on Bonus as an additional incentive for jobseekers to try their hand at harvest work.
 
To be eligible, workers new to agriculture must complete 10 days of work and apply for the bonus by 31 December. Interested employers can visit the Agriculture Victoria website and download a copy of the guidelines for further information.

The 2021 Strategic Agrichemical Review Process (SARP) survey for apples, pears and cherries is now open. Growers are encouraged to participate, as the SARP will provide an updated view of current priorities and gaps regarding pest, disease and weed control.

• Assess the importance of the diseases, insects and weeds that can affect each industry
• Evaluate the availability and effectiveness of fungicides, insecticides and herbicides (pesticides) in the control of these plant pests
• Determine any gaps in the current pest control strategy
• Identify suitable new or alternative pesticides to address the gaps.