On this page, you can find information and recommendations from the BUV regarding the current Government’s restrictions.  If in doubt, please ring the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 and seek advice specific to your circumstances. Please check this page regularly for the latest updates. For Church resources and translated information, click here.

Update 13/10/2022

From 11.59pm on Wednesday, 12 October, the pandemic declaration will end – and Victorians will no longer be required to isolate after testing positive to COVID-19, with isolation for positive cases now strongly recommended.

However, to continue to provide a healthy and safe environment, it is recommended that those

• who test positive to COVID-19 stay home and isolate for 5 days and do not attend work or church after 5 days if they are still symptomatic
• who are symptomatic but have not tested positive not attend work or church
• with an individual preference, can continue to wear a mask in such high risk settings

Update 20/7/2022

The Victorian Government has made changes to pandemic orders and public health recommendations and requests that came into place at 11:59pm 12 July 2022.  Click here to Read. 

The following are recommended: 

• Mask wearing in indoor and crowded settings is strongly recommended to protect yourself and the most vulnerable Victorians through winter – but there are no changes to current face mask requirements with these new pandemic orders.
• The Minister for Health also requested that employers consider working from home arrangements that are most appropriate for their workplace and employees based on individual requirements.

Update 25/6/2022

Government Vaccination Mandates for Religious workers lifted

Double Dose vaccination is NO LONGER required for Religious Workers* The Pandemic (Workplace) Order (No. 9) which commenced at 11:59pm on 24 June 2022 and ends at 11:59pm 12 July, no longer includes Religious Workers in the definition of Specified workers. Well done to all those who have waited patiently for this advice. Please continue to operate in a COVID safe manner and continually revisit your COVID safe plan.

*If any of your paid or unpaid staff have other roles that fall into the definition of Specific Workers (below), they will still be required to be fully vaccinated (i.e. with booster).

As mentioned, individual employers will be able to set their own workplace conditions.

Source: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/covid-19/workplace-order

• The definition of Specified Workers now includes those who  interact with a vulnerable person – these workers will still require three COVID-19 vaccine doses. They include: residential aged care and disability care workers, specialist teachers,  healthcare workers,  disability workers, custodial workers, emergency services workers incl police.
• Third dose vaccination mandates in education (except specialist teachers), food distribution, meat and seafood processing and quarantine accommodation sectors are lifted.
• Rules requiring general workers to work from home unless they are double-vaccinated are lifted. Employers will still be able to set their own workplace conditions. 
• Mask wearing is no longer required at airports but must still be worn on public transport, taxis, ride shares, and planes. 
• Masks are also still required in sensitive settings such as hospitals and care facilities.
• Positive cases can leave isolation to drive a household member directly to or from education, work or a health appointment without leaving their vehicle.
• Visitor caps to care facilities, including residential aged care and disability are removed, with residents able to see any number of people as long as they test negative on a rapid antigen test that day. 👉 For a full summary of current settings, visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/jo5sjq

Update 22/6/2022

VACCINE MANDATES TO BE LIFTED FROM  FRIDAY NIGHT 

Source: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sensible-winter-settings-keep-victorians-protected

The news we have been waiting for is official  – from 11.59pm this Friday 24th June 2022, all requirements for vaccination for paid and non paid staff, will be lifted.  Therefore, volunteers and paid religious workers no longer need to be vaccinated to work or serve in your church!!   

From the press release above “As almost 95 per cent of Victorians 12 and older have had two COVID-19 doses, rules requiring general workers to work from home, unless they are double-vaccinated are lifted. Employers will still be able to set their own workplace conditions.”

As mentioned, individual employers will be able to set their own workplace conditions. Churches will still need to maintain a CovidSafe plan which includes an appropriate response plan.

Update 14/6/2022

In addition to the current COVID cases and as we enter the winter season, there is an expectation that there will be a high number of flu cases. While not mandatory, please consider mask wearing (with exception on public transport and sensitive settings where face masks remain required), maintain social distancing, and continue to hand sanitise. If available, and suitable to your individual circumstance, arrange an appointment for your flu shot. If you are unwell, please consider staying at home.

Churches will still need to maintain a CovidSafe plan which includes an appropriate response plan.

Update 22/4/2022

Source: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covidsafe-religion-and-ceremonies-guidance

Statewide settings from 22/4/2022

• The existing Mandatory two-dose vaccination still applies for authorised paid and volunteer workers 
• QR code check-ins at places of worship, weddings and funerals are no longer required 
• Face masks no longer need to be worn (exceptions are on public transport and sensitive settings)
• Churches will still need to maintain a CovidSafe plan. 
• Workplace contacts – individuals will need to notify their workplace contacts if they have Covid.
• Close contacts no longer need to isolate but must take 5 RAT tests over the 7 days they previously would of quarantined for.

Update 24/2/2022

Source : Please note: the https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covidsafe-religion-and-ceremonies-guidance has not been updated – but we have received confirmation of the advice below in a direct email from the Dept of Jobs, Region and industry

• No density limits apply to weddings, funerals and religious services at a place of worship
• Checking of vaccination status does not apply to weddings, funerals and religious services at a place of worship
• However, mandatory double vaccination still applies for authorised paid and volunteer workers – formal legal advice will be posted on website when received.
• QR code check-ins at places of worship, weddings and funerals are no longer required 
• Face masks are required to be worn indoors until Friday 25th February 11:59pm.  From Saturday 26th February, face masks will no longer be required in Places of worship  – however, we recommend that you emphasise to your congregation that although it is not required, individuals must exercise personal responsibility and may, therefore, choose to continue wearing a mask.
• In light of face mask rules lifting, please also continue to emphasise the need to stay away if feeling unwell or experiencing any symptoms. 
• Churches will still need to maintain a CovidSafe plan. 

From Saturday 26th February 2022, masks will only be required indoors in the following circumstances, unless an exemption applies: 

• people on public transport, in taxis and rideshare, on planes, and indoors at an airport 
• people working or visiting hospitals, and indoor areas at care facilities 
• workers in hospitality, retail and the court system 
• workers at justice and correctional facilities 
• students in year 3 or above at primary school, and workers at early childhood centres and primary schools (masks can be removed in secondary school) 
• people working indoors at an event with more than 30,000 people attending  
• in special circumstances, such as if you have COVID-19 or are a close contact and you’re leaving home. 

Masks are recommended for other workers serving or facing members of the public (for example, if you are at reception, meeting guests or serving customers). 

Update 20/2/2022

Sources: Statewide settings from 18/2/22,   Coronavirus Religion and ceremonies guidance – covid safe settings 

Places of Worship, Funerals and Weddings 

• You can host or attend weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies at places of worship with no capacity limits or density limits, with no requirement to check vaccination status.  However, vaccination requirements apply if a wedding or funeral takes place in a venue that has vaccination requirements, such as hospitality settings, community facilities, or  entertainment venues.
• Face masks are still required to be worn indoors.
• We recommend wearing a mask outside if you can’t physically distance, if you have any symptoms, or if you are with people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19.
• QR code check in using the Services Vic app – contradictory advice is being shown on 2 different pages on the Coronavirus website for Places of Worship.  We recommend you continue to use QR code check ins until we have received confirmation to our joint inquiry with Churches of Christ to the relevant government department 
• Churches will still need to maintain a CovidSafe plan.  However if your site is exposed to a positive coronavirus case you will no longer need to do a deep clean, after mounting international evidence that coronavirus is an airborne or droplet-borne disease and the likelihood of becoming infected by touching a surface is very low risk.

Frequently asked questions  – click this link to go to some FAQ’s re wedding photography, choir member and volunteer vaccinations requirement, communal food. 

Workplaces 

• It is strongly recommended that if you can work or study from home you should.
• If you have had at least two vaccination doses, you can attend adult education (e.g. university, TAFE). If you have not had at least two doses, you can’t enter unless you cannot be taught online
• Workplaces are open.
• Many workers (includes paid staff, unpaid staff or volunteers ie. parent helpers) will need to have at least two vaccination doses if working outside your home. 
• Workers in high risk settings such as healthcare and aged care will need to have three vaccination doses if working outside your home
• Schools, childcare centres and early childhood education are open to all ages.
• Masks must be worn indoors at schools by staff, visitors and students (aged 8 and older) from years 3 to 12.

Visiting hospitals and aged care

• There are limits on attending high-risk settings, even if you’ve had at two vaccination doses.
• Residents at care facilities can have up to five visitors per day if they are able to show a negative rapid antigen test result. If the facility does not have rapid antigen tests, the resident may have up to two visitors per day.
• We strongly recommend that all residents and visitors have three vaccination doses.
• Visitors to hospitals must have at least two vaccination doses or must show evidence of a negative rapid antigen test result from that day.
• Adults (aged 18 and over) who have not had at least two doses must wear a N95 mask.
• Face coverings must be worn by vaccinated adults and children aged 8 and over.

Update 21/1/2022 

Statewide settings valid from 12/1/22 

Face Masks

Masks are required indoors and on public transport/taxis/rideshare/airplane.
We recommend wearing a mask outside if you can’t physically distance, if you have any symptoms, or if you are with people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19.

Places of Worship, Weddings and Funerals  – Restriction Changes

• You can attend weddings, funerals and religious services at a place or worship and there is no need to check vaccination status or apply capacity/density limits
• Face masks are now required to be worn indoors.
• Churches will still need to maintain a CovidSafe plan and check attendees in with the services Victoria app.  However if your site is exposed to a positive coronavirus case you will no longer need to do a deep clean, after mounting international evidence that coronavirus is an airborne or droplet-borne disease and the likelihood of becoming infected by touching a surface is very low risk.

Workplaces 

• It is strongly recommended that if you can work or study from home you should.
• All workplaces must have a COVIDSafe Plan and keep records of everyone attending using the Service Victoria app.
• Workplaces must also display signage in public spaces providing information about check-in, vaccination requirements and where relevant, mask requirements.
• Workplaces are open, but you must be fully vaccinated if:
  • You are working somewhere that’s only open for fully vaccinated people (e.g. restaurant)
  • If you are a worker or volunteer who is required to be vaccinated if working outside your home.

Hospitality Requirements

Cafes and restaurants are still only open to fully vaccinated patrons and staff and workers must wear masks. People under 18 are no longer required to show proof of vaccination at all venues including hospitality.

Vaccine booster and Vaccination Blitz
 Source: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/covid-19/covid-19-chief-health-officer-update

All Victorians who are eligible for a booster three months after their second shot are urged to book an appointment as soon as possible. Victorians can bring forward their third COVID-19 vaccine dose, with the recommended minimum dose interval between second and third doses at state-run vaccination centres reducing to three months. As part of a third dose vaccination blitz, hours have been extended at major state-run vaccination hubs. More than 60,000 appointments have been added and walk-up capacity increased.

Advice for cases and contacts 

Helpful information is available online for cases and household, social, workplace, education and other contacts.  See the checklists

Update 23/12/21 

Source: Premier Statement 

Statewide Settings valid from 15/12/2021

Restrictions from 11:59pm 15/12/2021 valid until 12/1/2022 – Updated Public Health Protections keep Victorians Safe

Places of Worship, Weddings and Funerals  – Restriction Changes

• You can attend weddings, funerals and religious services at a place or worship and there is no need to check vaccination status or apply capacity/density limits
• Face masks are now required to be worn indoors.
• Churches will still need to maintain a CovidSafe plan and check attendees in with the services Victoria app.  However if your site is exposed to a positive coronavirus case you will no longer need to do a deep clean, after mounting international evidence that coronavirus is an airborne or droplet-borne disease and the likelihood of becoming infected by touching a surface is very low risk.

Masks will be mandatory indoors from 11:59pm tonight (23/12/21) except at home for people aged eight and over.

Hospitality Requirements

Cafes and restaurants are still only open to fully vaccinated patrons and staff and workers must wear masks. People under 18 are no longer required to show proof of vaccination at all venues including hospitality.

Vaccine booster

All Victorians who are eligible for a booster five months after their second shot are urged to book an appointment as soon as possible .

Mandatory Vaccination for Authorised Workers – No change

Mandatory vaccination for authorised worker directions have been reissued and remain in place valid from 15/12/21  – 12/1/2022 

Source: Pandemic Order Register

Source:  Workers required to be vaccinated 

Update 19/12/21 

Source: Premier Statement 

Statewide Settings from 11:59pm 15/12/2021

Restrictions from 11:59pm 15/12/2021 valid until 12/1/2022 – Updated Public Health Protections keep Victorians Safe

Places of Worship, Weddings and Funerals  – Restriction Changes

• You can attend weddings, funerals and religious services at a place or worship and there is no need to check vaccination status or apply capacity/density limits
• Face masks no longer need to be worn if the service is held at a place of worship. Please note if the service is held at a hospitality setting then vaccine and mask requirements still apply (see below)
• Churches will still need to maintain a CovidSafe plan and check attendees in with the services Victoria app.  However if your site is exposed to a positive coronavirus case you will no longer need to do a deep clean, after mounting international evidence that coronavirus is an airborne or droplet-borne disease and the likelihood of becoming infected by touching a surface is very low risk.

Hospitality Requirements

Cafes and restaurants are still only open to fully vaccinated patrons and staff and workers must wear masks. People under 18 are no longer required to show proof of vaccination at all venues including hospitality.

Vaccine booster

All Victorians who are eligible for a booster five months after their second shot are urged to book an appointment as soon as possible .

Mandatory Vaccination for Authorised Workers – No change

Mandatory vaccination for authorised worker directions have been reissued and remain in place valid from 15/12/21  – 12/1/2022 

Source: Pandemic Order Register

Source:  Workers required to be vaccinated 

Update 19/11/21 

Source: Premier Statement 

Restrictions from 11:59pm 18/11/21 – Phase D 90% vaccination rate 12+ years 

Stay Safe Directions no 29 issued 18th Nov – valid until 15 Dec

Places of Worship, Weddings and Funerals

• Vaccination requirements will apply from the age of 12 years and 2 months unless a medical exemption applies  – See Directives page 6 re Ceremonies –  An organiser of a ceremony (ceremony definition – religious gathering, wedding or funeral held at any premises that is not a private residence or an open premises’) must maintain a system that requires the patron (except a patron UNDER 12 years and 2 months)  that attends the ceremonial space, to show the organiser or a worker of the organiser acceptable evidence that they are :
  • either fully vaccinated;
  • or an excepted person
•  If everyone present is fully vaccinated, you can host or attend weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies at places of worship with no capacity limits or density limits.  Masks are optional – they are not required. 
• If vaccination status isn’t being checked, these events are restricted to one person per 4 sqm up to a maximum of 50 people per facility.  There will still be mask requirements in place for weddings, funerals, places of worship and other settings if the vaccination status of attendees is not being checked. The usual exceptions will apply.
• The cap at funerals doesn’t include those required to conduct the funeral and the cap at weddings doesn’t include the marrying couple, celebrant or photographer.

Masks are required indoors only in limited settings including retail, health care, aged care and justice facilities, at primary schools and on public transport/taxis/rideshare.  Wearing a mask is recommended if you can’t physically distance, if you have any symptoms, or if you are with people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19.

Mandatory Vaccination Directions for Workers (including paid and volunteer) remain unchanged.

Workplaces are open, but you must be fully vaccinated if:

• you are working somewhere that’s only open for fully vaccinated people (e.g. restaurant), or
• if you are a worker or volunteer who is required to be vaccinated if working outside your home
• All workplaces must have a COVIDSafe Plan and keep records of everyone attending using the Service Victoria app.

Workplaces must also:

• regularly clean and disinfect shared spaces and high touch surfaces;
• display signage in public spaces providing information about check-in, vaccination requirements and where relevant, mask requirements.

Visits to hospitals and Aged Care Facilities 

• There are limits on attending high-risk settings, even if you’re fully vaccinated.
• Residents at care facilities can have up to five visitors per day including dependents for any reason. We strongly recommend that all residents and visitors are fully vaccinated.
• Visitors to hospitals are still limited to a small number of circumstances, such as end-of-life.

Seeing Friends and Family

• There are no limits on the number of people you can gather with in your home or in public places (e.g. a park or a beach). 
• We strongly recommend that everyone who you are gathering with at your home or in a public place is fully vaccinated.

Update 25/10/21 

Source: Premier Statement

Victorias Roadmap

Current Covid safe Settings

From Friday 29th October at 6:00pm restrictions will be eased further.

No restrictions on travel within Victoria.

Regional Victoria and Metropolitan Melbourne will have the same restrictions

Religious Ceremonies/Weddings/Funerals

Indoor settings 

Fully vaccinated: (all staff and attendees)  subject to density limit of 1 person per 4 square metres 

Unknown vaccination status: Cap of 30 people* subject to density limit of 1 person per 4 square metres 

*For weddings the addition of those necessary to conduct the wedding and the marrying couple

*For funerals the addition of those necessary to conduct the funeral

Outdoor settings

Fully vaccinated:  (all staff and attendees) up to 500 people subject to density limit of 1 person per 2 sq metres

Unknown vaccination status: Cap of 30 people  subject to density limit of 1 person per 4 square metres  (same rule as indoor)

Masks will remain mandatory indoors but no longer required outdoors if you can socially distance.

Work If you can work form home, you should work from home

Update 17/10/21 

Source:

Premier Statement

Victorias Roadmap  

Restrictions from 11:59pm Thursday 21 October 2021 will change:
Metropolitan Melbourne  – Eased Restrictions

Reasons to leave home, curfew and 15 km travel radius lifted

Travel to regional Victoria is still not permitted.

Private Gathering – 10 people including dependants can visit your home per day

Public Gathering –  15 people can gather outdoors

Religious Ceremonies/Weddings/Funerals

• 50 fully vaccinated people outdoors
• 20 fully vaccinated people indoors subject to density limit of 1 person per 4 square metres 
• 10 People indoors if vaccination status is unknown subject to density limit of 1 person per 4 square metres

Work

If you can work form home, you should work from home. Anyone on the authorised workers list is required to have had at least one dose in order to work onsite. Please click here to view the revised directions regarding authorised workers.

Masks are still required indoor and outdoors.

Regional Victoria – Eased Restrictions

Private Gathering – 10 people including dependants can visit your home per day

Public Gathering –  20 people can gather outdoors

Religious Ceremonies/Weddings/Funerals

• 100 fully vaccinated people outdoors to density limit of 1 person per 2 square metres 
• 30 fully vaccinated people indoors subject to density limit of 1 person per 4 square metres 
• Unknown vaccination no change from previous National Plan: Phase A  

Update 8/10/21

Directions in relation to mandatory vaccination of all authorised workers throughout Victoria were released yesterday, 7th October.  

Source:  www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Select workers (including contractors, volunteers and students on placement) will be required to show evidence of their vaccination to their employer by a certain date in order to continue working outside their home.

From 15 October 2021, in order to work onsite at a work premises, you must be able to provide evidence to your employer that you have:

• received at least your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, or
• have a booking to receive your first dose by 22 October 2021, or
• have a medical exemption evidenced by an authorised medical practitioner

This means that from 23 October 2021 onwards, you need to have received at least your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (unless you have a medical exemption) to attend work.

From 26 November 2021, you will also be required to provide evidence to your employer that you have received your second dose (unless you have a medical exemption) to attend work.

A work premises is anywhere you are required to be for your work outside the home (for example, a real estate work premises would include a home inspection, not just head office).

If you are working at or in any of the industries or facilities below, these requirements apply to you – including if you are:

• an employee
• a contractor (engaged by the employer or a third party)
• a volunteer
• a student on placement.

Click here for Authorised Provider and Worker List 

The Directions also specify that the authorised employer:         Source: Chief Health Officer Directions 

• must collect, record and hold vaccination information about all workers (paid or unpaid) status of all employees
• must comply with the obligations as soon as is practicable after the commencement of the Directions (7th October 2021) 
• must also collect, record and hold information relate to unvaccinated employees – and whether that worker has a booking to receive their first dose vaccination by the first dose deadline, 15th October, or has a booking before 22nd October.
• must treat any employee that they do not hold vaccination information about as unvaccinated 

Religious Worker 
A religious worker is someone who works in connection with a place of worship, including a chapel, church, mosque, synagogue or temple.

This does not include workers who: **

• conduct services of public worship and acknowledgments of faith **
• perform marriages, funerals and special memorial services according to tradition and ecclesiastical and civil law
• visit members of the community in their homes, hospitals and other institutions to provide advice and religious comfort for the purpose of end of life faith reasons **

(** This seems very unclear  and we are seeking further clarification  – it could mean those who work independently of a place of worship – but could also be a typo and may be INCLUDES )

Funeral Worker
A funeral worker is a person who works in connection with funeral or mortuary services.

PENALTIES 

The Directions specify that

• A person must not refuse or fail to comply with a direction given to the person, or a requirement made of the person, in the exercise of a power under an authorisation given under section 199.

Penalty:

•  In the case of a natural person, 120 penalty units (this is equivalent to $21.808.80)
• In the case of a body corporate, 600 penalty units (this is equivalent to $109,044)

Update 1/10/21

Premier Media Release 1st October re Authorised worker vaccines 

The Victorian Government has announced mandatory vaccination requirements for all authorised providers and authorised workers (APAW) who are not working from home.

All workers – in Melbourne and regional Victoria – on the Authorised Worker list who cannot work at home will require their first COVID-19 vaccine dose by Friday, 15 October

From 26 November 2021, the requirement will increase to having had two doses or a medical exception.

The Authorised Worker List includes and is not limited to:

• faith leaders broadcasting services and ceremonies at places of worship, with the minimum number of people required for the broadcast to occur (no more than 5 people); or
• funerary or mortuary services or related activities; or
• marriage celebrant only if one or both of the two persons being married are at the end of life, or will be deported from Australia unless the marriage takes place;
• a childcare, early learning centre, kindergarten, preschool or family day care provider; 

This may include anyone that is on site involved in the broadcast of services, pastoral staff visiting and praying for people, playgroup leaders on site when groups recommence, anyone involved on site in facilitating a funeral or wedding etc.

Please ensure your church looks carefully at the authorised worker list and ensures that all authorised workers that will be on site and cannot work from home are first dose vaccinated by Friday October 15th. They will need to ensure they have received a second dose of vaccine by November 26th, 2021. 

To book a vaccination through state-run centres or to see links for how to book at your local GP or pharmacy visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine.

To read more – click here 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an Authorised provider or authorised Worker?

Authorised providers are businesses and organisations that can open in Restricted Areas when there are only 6 reasons to leave your home, with an authorised worker being those individuals required to perform the essential tasks delivered by these businesses and organisations. 

Anyone on this list – even if not in a locked-down area, must comply with this requirement. The vaccine mandate will apply to all worksites and workers in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria who can leave home for work under the APAW. (Source)

Who is an Authorised Worker at our church?

The following are the most common examples of Authorised Workers in a church context. They are Authorised Workers ONLY for the purpose of doing these limited examples of Permitted Work and only where it cannot be done from home. 

• Pastors: as marriage celebrant, officiating at a funeral, broadcasting, and permitted end of life pastoral care visitation
• Broadcast Team member: attending church property for recording or livestreaming a broadcast of a religious service or ceremony
• Essential Services: staff or volunteers operating foodbanks or providing essential services to the homeless

A full list of who is considered an authorised provider or an authorised worker is available online.

All Authorised Workers (paid or volunteer) in Metropolitan Melbourne and locked down LGAs in Regional Victoria must carry an Authorised Worker Permit from their employer whenever they are travelling to work and attending work. The Work Permit is not required in Regional Victoria except those LGAs currently in lockdown.

Note: Due to the broad type of work conducted by our churches and Agencies, we have not specified who the Authorised Workers are in those contexts. If you are unsure, please contact Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

What are the exemptions for vaccination of authorised workers?

The only exemption that will apply to Authorised Workers at Affiliated churches and agencies is the medical exemption.  An exemption will require a letter from the worker’s doctor.  Those with a medical exemption can live and work the same as a person who has been vaccinated.

Please direct all workers who have queries about medical exemptions to seek advice from a qualified medical professional regarding their personal circumstances.  Only a qualified medical professional can give advice on this matter.  

In limited exceptional circumstances, an organisation can also approve unvaccinated workers to continue working if it is necessary, including:

• for a worker to provide for urgent specialist clinical or medical care at the work premises due to an emergency situation or a critical unforeseen circumstance; or
• for a worker to fill a vacancy to provide urgent care, to maintain quality of care and/or continue essential operations at the work premises due to an emergency situation or a critical unforeseen circumstance; or
• for a worker who is required to attend the premises to respond to an emergency at the work premises; or
• for a worker to sustain human or animal health, safety and wellbeing where a vaccinated worker cannot be sourced in a timely manner; or
• for a worker to make a premises safe and secure, or to perform urgent and essential work to protect assets and infrastructure where a vaccinated worker cannot be sourced in a timely manner.   (Source)

What if a worker has chosen not to be vaccinated?

If a church or agency worker has not been able to be vaccinated by the deadline or has chosen not to be vaccinated but they do not have a medical exemption, then they will need to continue to work from home. They will not be eligible to leave home to work as an Authorised Worker.  This may mean some adjustments (temporary or permanent) by your church or agency in order to accommodate them.

Supports may include:

• Allowing workers to not attend in person services or events (where they are permitted to be run in person)
• Facilitating a worker’s ability to participate in broadcasts from home (providing equipment, training, adjusting the recording schedule etc)
• Pre-arranging an alternate pastoral carer (who has been vaccinated) to visit end-of-life ministry recipients
• Altering rosters to ensure that sufficient vaccinated people can effectively run a program or service
• Moving (or keeping) services or events online
• Arranging for an alternate qualified person who is vaccinated to officiate at a wedding or funeral – in some instances unvaccinated Pastors may still be able to attend the event as one of the capped numbers of general attendees for whom vaccination is not mandated but they will not be able to work at the service
• Accommodating requests to take annual leave
• Pre-recording a library of content with your Broadcast Teams prior to 15 October 2021
• Working in conjunction with other churches to provide broadcast content or in person ministry

There may be many other ways your church or agency can accommodate those who do not wish to be vaccinated in the short term. Please consider the short and long term implications of such changes in your context, noting the overarching principle of the vaccine requirement is to provide a safe and healthy workplace and worship space for those attending.  This topic may cause anxiety for some people – please ensure that conversations about the vaccination status of your workers is conducted with respect and in line with rights to privacy.

Update 20/09/21 

Victoria’s Roadmap Summary

Metropolitan Melbourne Roadmap

Regional Victoria Roadmap

Current Restrictions – Melbourne

Current Restrictions – Regional Victoria

Restrictions below applies for current Phase A of roadmap until Phase B kicks in (70% fully vaccinated-indicative date 26th October). More updates to come.

Click here for BUV Response to Victoria’s Roadmap and Vaccination Passports >

Update 08/09/21 Regional Victoria – Eased of Restrictions

Source:

Premier Statement

Table of Restrictions

Lockdown restrictions (and 5-person updated rule below) remain in place for Metropolitan Melbourne and Shepparton. From 11.59pm Thursday 9 September 2021, the following settings will apply for regional Victoria, except Shepparton.

No stay at home requirement, no 5km travel limit

Private Gathering – Not permitted, exceptions apply

Public Gathering – Max 10 people

Religious Gatherings

• up to 20 persons per venue (excluding those required to conduct religious ceremonies), and a density limit of 1 person per 4 square metres
• A COVID Check-In Marshal must be present

Community Facilities

• up to 20 persons per facility

Funerals (Indoors and outdoors)

• Permitted with a maximum of 20 people (plus those necessary to conduct the funeral/wedding)
• Children under 12 months old are not counted towards this cap.

Weddings (Indoors and outdoors)

• Permitted with a maximum of 10 people (plus those necessary to conduct the funeral/wedding)
• Children under 12 months old are not counted towards this cap.

Work

• If you can work from home, you should work from home
• Office work permitted up to 25 per cent or a limit of 10 people if total workplace is 40 or less, density quotient of 1 person per 4 sqm applies

Face Coverings

• must be carried at all times
• must be worn indoors and outdoors by Victorians aged 12 years or over except if at home, or when visiting an intimate partner’s place of residence or if an exception applies
• recommend primary school age children wear masks indoors and outdoors, exception applies

FAQ – Regional Victoria

Update 03/09/21 Lockdown Extended Updates

The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) have confirmed that due to the health and wellbeing concerns of maintaining the same 5-person team to support broadcasting and livestreaming for religious services, rotating rosters of two teams is allowed. Importantly, the two teams should always be the same five people and should not mix.

If you have a specific scenario for your church, please ring the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 and seek advice specific to your circumstances. We also recommend that you ask for a reference number for your case.

Update 21/08/21  Lockdown Settings

Source:

Premier Statement

Table of Restrictions

All metropolitan Melbourne restrictions – except for the curfew – will be implemented across regional Victoria from 1pm today until 11.59pm Thursday, 2 September.

Religious gatherings and ceremonies: No in-person gatherings permitted. Broadcast permitted with maximum five people – must be the same five people each time. This means that you can only select the same five people for the next two weeks, even across different languages/services. A permit is required for each person. 

Essential Services: Places of worship may host essential public support services, such as operating a food bank or a service for homeless persons -limited to a maximum of 10 people.

Funerals (indoor and outdoor): Permitted with no more than 10 people (and those workers necessary to conduct the funeral). Children under 12 months old are not counted towards this cap

Weddings (indoor and outdoor): Not permitted unless end of life or for deportation reasons. Involves only 5 persons (including the two persons being married, celebrant, two witnesses)

Reasons to leave home: 

• shopping for necessary goods and services 
• care and caregiving, including medical care, or to get a COVID-19 test
• exercise (once a day for two hours)
• authorised work and permitted study 
• to get a COVID-19 vaccination

Curfew (Melbourne only): From 9pm to 5am, a person is not permitted to leave their home except for limited reasons.

Private and Public Gathering: Not permitted, single bubble person permitted

Face coverings:
• must be carried at all times
• must be worn indoors and outdoors by Victorians aged 12 years or over except if at home, or when visiting an intimate partner’s place of residence or if an exception applies
• recommend primary school age children wear masks indoors and outdoors, except at home or if an exception applies
• exception for food and drink limited so that face coverings can only be removed to eat and to drink non-alcoholic beverages

Work: If you can work from home, you must work from home
• Authorised workplaces and workers are permitted to attend onsite work
• Authorised workers are permitted to travel to and from work even when curfew is in place
• A permit is required when leaving the home for authorised work or permitted higher education

Previous Advice:
BUV COVID-19 Advice (Aug-Sept21)
BUV COVID-19 Advice (May-July21)
BUV COVID-19 Advice (Feb-Apr21)
BUV COVID-19 Advice (Dec/Jan21)
BUV COVID-19 Advice (Oct/Nov)
BUV COVID-19 Advice (Sept)
BUV COVID-19 Advice (Aug)
BUV COVID-19 Advice (July)
BUV COVID-19 Advice (June)
BUV COVID-19 Advice (May)
BUV COVID-19 Advice (April)
BUV COVID-19 Advice (March)