ESSA COVID-19 Communique

17 November 2020


Recap on recent updates to easing of restrictions

On 8 November, 2020 the Victorian Premier announced that restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria were aligned in the Third Step and in some cases, restrictions eased further with the:

  • dismantling of the boundary between Melbourne and regional Victoria
  • lifting of 25-kilometre limit, and
  • opening of gyms and fitness centres in metro Melbourne along with indoor non-contact* fitness groups in gyms and fitness centres with higher density limits (1 person per 8 sqm) and caps on overall numbers and group sizes.
*Non-contact means participants must be able to maintain distance of 1.5 metres.

Face-to-face individual clinical services are allowed, provided a COVIDSafe Plan in place for routine and preventative allied health care, though Telehealth services are still the preferred option for care delivery. Indoor group classes can operate subject to limits and densities. One-on-one hydrotherapy sessions in indoor pools are also allowed.

Revised Industry Restart Guidelines were released on 8 November, 2020 to reflect the further easing of restrictions (effective as of 11.59pm on 8 November 2020). These guides have lots of tips on how you can keep your business COVIDSafe:
  • Health Care here
  • Physical Recreation Indoor & Outdoor here
  • Community Sport and Recreation here
  • High Performance and Professional Sport: A new separate Guidance Note: Return-To-Play here.

What can we expect next?
All of Victoria is expected to move to the Last Step from 11:59pm 22 November, 2020 subject to Public Health epidemiological modelling and advice.

The summary of state-wide restrictions for the Third Step and Last Step of Victoria’s roadmap to reopening is here.

Click here to download ESSA's updated Victoria COVID Guide, current as of 11:59pm Sunday 8 November, 2020.