Sweeping new additions to the Stage IV Restrictions announced in Victoria on Sunday have been released today (Monday). All non-essential retail will close for in-person retailing from 11.59, Wednesday August 5 and this will include music retail. Online orders will continue to be able to be fulfilled onsite provided staff onsite do not exceed 2/3rds of the usual peak number required.
Also, retail stores (not in the exempt list) will be permitted to operate contactless ‘click and collect’ and delivery services with strict safety protocols in place. A COVID Safe plan must be in place.
Shopping centres in the metropolitan area will be allowed to open only to provide access to permitted retail.
The latest government guidelines for the Retail Trade (released 6 August) can be viewed by CLICKING HERE
Warehousing and distribution are permitted and freight and logistics will be operate. Wholesale distribution may be below capacity in Victoria as distribution and warehousing will operate with less capacity (2/3rds of the usual workforce). More detail to come as these situations are clarified through official channels. From what we are aware of, major distributors will continue operations according to the current restrictions and government statements.
Victoria’s two major guitar manufacturers Cole Clark and Maton will cease manufacturing for six weeks we are advised.
The latest government guidelines for the Wholesale Trade (released 6 August) can be viewed by CLICKING HERE
And the guidelines for the Transport Postal and Warehouse trade by CLICKING HERE
For a detailed spreadsheet on the restrictions on Business in Victoria CLICK HERE Melbourne-coronavirus-restrictions-on-business
COVIDSafe Plan
The government’s official information, including developing a COVID Safe plan is available by CLICKING HERE.
A COVID Safe plan must be developed by 11.59pm, Friday August 7, 2020.
The Premier’s statement on business restrictions is available by CLICKING HERE
Permitted Worker Permits
Further as announced by the Premier, a Permitted Worker Permit may be required for employees required to go to your permitted work place – this form can be download by CLICKING HERE
The website has been overloaded and presenting errors – if this is your experience you can download the template here – Permitted Worker Scheme Template
Access to Child Care Permits
Access to Childcare Scheme Template
Business Assistance Information
To support businesses impacted by these restrictions, one-off grants will be made available to eligible businesses under the Business Support Fund – Expansion program. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
For businesses currently under Stage 3 restrictions, a $5,000 Grant is available, provided you meet the conditions.
For businesses under Stage 4 restrictions who have been impacted by the shutdowns, a further $5,000 is available in addition to the $5,000 grant that was announced a few weeks ago (total of $10,000). For businesses who have already received the first $5,000, you will automatically receive the next $5,000. For businesses who haven’t yet applied, a $10,000 grant is now available.
The grant criteria currently remains unchanged and is as follows:
- Operate a business with an address that’s located in one of the suburbs that are subject to the new Stage 3 ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions
- Be receiving Jobkeeper payments
- Employ people and be registered with Workcover on 30 June 2020
- Have annual payroll of less than $3 million in the 2019-20 financial year
- Be registered for GST on 30 June 2020
- Hold an ABN and have held that ABN at 30 June 2020
- Be registered with the responsible Federal or State regulator – ASIC, Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC), Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) or if you are a sole trader without a business name an ABN registration is ok)
More information as it comes to hand.
