Dear Industry Colleagues,

Welcome to another week in the beautiful region of Daylesford and Macedon Ranges. In this update, you will read about the requirement to have authorised workers vaccinated and the commencement of the Vaccinated Economy Trials.

Last week, The Acting Chief Health Officer has issued the new COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Workers) Directions, which came into effect at 11:59 pm on 7 October 2021. This now clearly identifies those workers in accommodation, retail, manufacturing and entertainment and function sectors. The Directions statement can be found here.

From 15 October 2021, to work onsite at work premises, workers must be able to provide evidence to their employer that they have either:

This means that from 23 October 2021, workers need to have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to attend work — unless they have a medical exemption.

From 26 November 2021, to attend work, workers will also be required to provide evidence to their employer that they have received a second dose – unless they have a medical exemption.

The new Directions apply to employers of select workers, including contractors, volunteers, and students on placement. A full list of workers can be found here.

Event trials
Yesterday, the Victorian Government has announced further details for the reopening of Victoria’s vaccinated economy.

Subject to consideration by the Chief Health Officer and a COVIDSafe Plan, several thousand people will be able to watch Victorian artists celebrate the return of live music at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday, 30 October.

Days later, up to 10,000 racing fans will be at Flemington for the Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday in November.

The final two days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival – Oaks Day and Stakes Day – will also welcome up to 10,000 patrons if the 80 percent double-vaccination threshold has been passed.

Attendees will be spread across several zones at Flemington in allocated seats, will be required to wear masks and must be fully vaccinated or holding a valid exemption.

Vaccinated Economy Trials to begin in regional Victoria
The first stage of the Vaccinated Economy Trials will begin today, Monday 11 October, at regional venues across Victoria.

Fourteen venues and events in six local government areas will operate with higher capacity and density limits under the 70 percent double dose settings.
The participants in the Vaccinated Economy Trials are:

The trials will allow real-world testing of the vaccine certification technology and confirm the best processes for establishing vaccination status. They will also help fine-tune training for staff, support for business owners, and public communication of vaccine requirements.

Victorians attending a Vaccinated Economy Trial business or event will be asked to show they are fully vaccinated with:

From today, Victorians can add their COVID-19 digital certificate to the Service Victoria app through MyGov or the Express Medicare Plus App.

Regionally based trial case managers from the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions will assist each business throughout the trials.

Here at DMT, we watch the trials with interest and will continue to advocate for the path of least resistance when it comes to the onus this could potentially place on businesses and staff.

We will keep you updated on the progress of these trials and continue to seek clarification on issues as they emerge as we move towards the roadmap of opening.

Kind regards

Paul and the DMT team
Acting CEO – DMT