The Victorian Chamber’s Victorian Business COVID-19 Recovery Roadmap, created on behalf of members, customers and business, puts forward a plan which provides hope and certainty. Set out in four stages, the Roadmap aligns with previous measures from the Victorian Public Health team and the National Cabinet framework, underpinned by the Doherty Institute modelling.

Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra said, “It is time to get off this COVID-19 treadmill. With the race to 80 per cent double dose vaccinations well and truly underway, business – indeed all Victorians - deserve a clear roadmap which gives them clarity about when and how they will be able to open. They cannot keep existing on life support and we need something to strive towards.”

The Recovery Roadmap includes:

Phase 1 (Regional): For LGAs in Regional Victoria that have had no trace of COVID-19 for 14 days

• Regional businesses open with restricted settings and a 25 per cent capacity for up to 150 people
• Masks must be worn at all times, except when seated and eating/drinking
• State Government provides incentives to get vaccinated, targeting most at risk cohorts
• Government business support continues. 

Phase 2 (Regional and Metro): Once Victoria has reached 80 per cent of first dose vaccination levels

• Metropolitan Victoria shifts to regional restrictions
• School students back for resumption of term four and university and TAFE students back at same time
• Masks must be worn at all times, except when seated and eating/drinking
• Government business support continues. 

Phase 3 (Regional and Metro): At 70 per cent fully vaccinated, Victoria should progress to pre-Lockdown Five settings

• Minimal limits on outdoor gatherings. Density limits of 50 per cent capacity with COVID-19 Check-in Marshall. Max of 300 per indoor space and 1000 outdoor
• Office workers return to density limit of 75 per cent capacity (masks off only when seated)
• Funerals and weddings capped at 300
• Theatres at density limit of 75 per cent capacity
• Events over 1000 must abide by Public Events Framework, with density limit of 60 per cent capacity and crowds in divided section.
• Government support is tapered.

Phase 4 (Open - Regional and Metro): At 80 per cent fully vaccinated, we shift to COVID Normal: 

• Office workers return to density limit of 100 per cent capacity
• No limits on outdoor gatherings or visitors to the home
• No restrictions on hospitality, but COVIDSafe plans and QR code check-in remains
• No limits on weddings and funerals
• Entertainment venues open.

"Victorians are good at coming out of lockdowns – we’ve done it five times now – but the sixth time must be the last. This plan is necessary not just for coming out of lockdown but also for staying open. It’s no longer just a business crisis – the response to COVID has developed a mental health crisis, education crisis, worker crisis, and community crisis. We must get out of this,” Mr Guerra said.  

Since the end of July when the Prime Minister announced National Cabinet’s agreed four-step National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response, the states and territories have been in a race to hit the 70 and 80 per cent targets.

In a press conference, Premier Daniel Andrews said, “it’s all about the National Plan and hitting each of those milestones and being able to go even further as we get to 70 per cent double dose, and 80 per cent double dose.”

Incoming Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has signalled that his party will also put forward a plan to ensure Victoria’s recovery.

“As Premier, there would be no city wide or statewide lockdowns after we reach the 70 per cent double vaccination as agreed by National Cabinet. There would be no winding back this agreement made with every Victorian,” Mr Guy said.

The Victorian Chamber acknowledges, like with all plans, it’s how we execute and stick to them that makes them happen; we do accept that there may be some changes to what has been prescribed. The Chamber welcomes feedback on the proposed plan from all Victorian businesses and we ask you share your thoughts, here.

We are calling on the State Government to help us finish this race against COVID-19 with a roadmap out of lockdown. All businesses stand ready to work with the State to support the roadmap we have proposed so we can get off the COVID-19 treadmill.

Find out more information on the Victorian Business COVID-19 Recovery Roadmap.