Dear Industry colleagues,
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has determined that on Friday 29 October at 6:00pm, Victoria will move forward in opening up with more restrictions falling away. Regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne will unite and move forward on the same restrictions, enabling people from Melbourne to travel to regional Victoria and interstate again.
With many Melburnians taking the Monday off for the Melbourne Cup public holiday, we expect the pent up demand to hit our region. The message for visitors is to book ahead, be patient and kind. It’s been a long lockdown and many can’t wait to return to their favourite places in this amazing region for a bit of R&R, good food and a tipple.
Victoria is expected to reach its 80 per cent double dose vaccination milestone almost a week ahead of schedule, on Friday 29 October. When we reach our 90 per cent double dose milestone – predicted to be as early as 24 November – a significant easing of all major restrictions will occur. Check out the full restrictions from the regional roadmap by clicking here. We are currently in Phase B and about to hit Phase C.
Masks will remain mandatory indoors but are no longer required outdoors. It is highly recommended you continue to wear a mask outdoors where you cannot physically distance, such as busy street or outdoor market.
The next milestone in the Roadmap will be when Victoria hits the 90 per cent double dose vaccination target for Victorians 12 years and over – predicted to be as early as Wednesday 24 November.
At this point, caps or density quotients will be removed for all settings, and masks will only be mandatory indoors in some high-risk settings such as hospitals, aged care, public transport and justice and correctional facilities.
There will be no restrictions for indoor and outdoor events provided they follow COVIDSafe rules including vaccination requirements.
Events with significant numbers of children may not be able to operate at full capacity while vaccines remain unavailable for children. There will be some caps for religious ceremonies, weddings and funerals where vaccination status is unknown.
Click here for a summary of the full Roadmap including Greater Melbourne and Regional Victoria. At this stage, accommodation providers are not required to only accept fully vaccinated guests but the unvaccinated cannot dine in a restaurant or use common areas. Should this change, we will update you as soon as possible.
This information is correct as of Sunday 24 October 2021.
We are still hopeful of setting up a session with government to have some of our questions and concerns addressed particularly around vaccinated guests and workers. I will let you know once this is confirmed.
In the meantime, a reminder there are some great VTIC workshops this week in preparation for the weekend.
These webinars are free and open to all visitor economy businesses. These sessions will be recorded for those that cannot attend, but to take full advantage of the opportunity, we encourage you to attend online and be part of the Q&A.
Customer Aggression Management Training Workshop
Tuesday 26 October, 11am-1pm
This webinar will deliver a comprehensive 2-hour workshop session on how best to prevent, be proactive, and deal with aggressive and hostile visitors to your business. The session will also present you with de-escalation techniques and provide insight on applying situational awareness. Register by clicking here.
Visit Victoria Industry Initiative
Wednesday 27 October, 1-2pm
Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements and Chief Marketing Officer Shae Keenan will provide an update on Visit Victoria’s recovery plans and insights, marketing activity and a look ahead to the 2022 events calendar. As travel resumes, we’ll be encouraging Victorians to book ahead, explore lesser-known destinations and be considerate as they travel. You’ll also hear from a Victorian operator on how they are managing their reopening. Register by clicking here.
Back to Work Wellbeing
Thursday 28 October 11am-12noon
The mental health and wellbeing of our staff is top of mind right now for so many businesses. This session has been designed specifically to assist with coping and managing the stresses we’re all feeling right now as you and your staff prepare for reopening. Register by clicking here.
What To Do If You Have a Confirmed COVID Outbreak at Your Business
Friday 29 October, 11am-1pm
There is great concern over what happens if your business is named as an exposure site once reopen. This dedicated workshop session will cover off how to prepare for and manage a COVID outbreak in your business and will step you through a planned response for reopening safely, including a media kit for outbreak management. Register by clicking here.
Business Reopening Pack
Just a reminder if you missed it last week, you can download the Business Support Pack by clicking here. This pack incorporates customisable content and downloadable artwork including posters. Support guides, social media content, suggested website and newsletter content and booking confirmation templates.
Enjoy your week preparing for Phase C.
As always, we will keep you updated as information comes to hand.
Best wishes
Paul and the DMT team
Acting CEO – DMT
