COVID-19 Retailer Resource Hub
What reopening restrictions are in place?
Current restrictions
The NSW Government will extend current restrictions for another month as the State continues to take a measured response to managing COVID-19 with a focus on a safe return to school and restarting non-urgent elective surgery as soon as possible.
Current settings will continue from Thursday, 27 January 2022 until Sunday, 28 February 2022, including:
- Hospitality venues, including pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes, and nightclubs must follow the one person per two square metre rule indoors;
- Masks are required in all indoor settings (except residences). Masks are strongly encouraged where you cannot maintain a safe distance from others;
- QR code check-ins are compulsory at certain premises, including hospitality venues and retail shops;
- Singing and dancing is not permitted in hospitality venues, entertainment facilities, nightclubs, indoor music festivals and indoor major recreation facilities (except for weddings, performers, instructors and students).
ISOLATION EXEMPTION FOR WORKERS CRITICAL TO FOOD SUPPLY
Critical workers in the food logistics and manufacturing sectors furloughed as close contacts will be permitted to leave self-isolation to attend work if they have no symptoms of COVID-19, to ensure the state has continued access to essential goods.
Workers will only be eligible to leave self-isolation if their employer determines that their absence from the workplace poses a high risk of disruption to the delivery of critical
services or activities, and they are unable to work from home.
These workers must wear a mask and comply with risk-management strategies put in place by their employer, including daily Rapid Antigen Tests.
- agriculture (biosecurity and food safety personnel undertaking critical duties)
- manufacturing (production and manufacturing of food, beverages, groceries, cleaning and sanitary products)
- transport, postal and warehousing (food logistics, delivery and grocery fulfilment)
The exemption from the isolation rules for close contacts also applies to emergency services workers who are necessary for the delivery of critical services and who cannot
work from home.
For more information refer to Guidance on the exemption of critical workers from the Public Health (COVID-19 Self-Isolation) Order (No 4) 2021.
REPORTING OF POSITIVE RAT TESTS MANDATORY FROM WEDNESDAY 12 JAN 2022
It has been confirmed on Wednesday, 12 January 2022, that it is now mandatory to report positive rapid antigen test (RAT) results since January 1, and a $1,000 fine may apply for failing to do so starting from the 19th January (after the 1 week grace period). You can do so through the Service NSW app through a designated function. There will also be a function to report any other underlying conditions or pregnancy.
BUSINESS RULES IN NSW
Masks, COVID-19 Safe Check-in and vaccination evidence
Masks
If you are over the age of 12, you must still wear a face mask:
- at a public transport waiting area
- while on public transport
- at airports and on aircraft when the aircraft is flying above NSW
- for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated.
Masks are no longer required in outdoor settings.
COVID-19 Safe Check-in
COVID-19 Safe QR check-ins are only required at
- pubs, small bars and registered clubs
- hairdressers, spas, nail, beauty, waxing, and tanning salons, tattoo parlours and massage parlours
- gyms (except dance, yoga, pilates, gymnastics, and martial arts studios)
- hospitals (except patients of hospitals or hospitals with an electronic entry recording system that records sufficient information such that it can be used for contact tracing)
- residential care facilities or hostels (except in relation to the residents)
- places of public worship
- funeral, memorials and gatherings afterwards
- nightclubs
- strip clubs, sex on premises venues, sex services premises
- indoor music festivals with more than 1000 people.
If you are entering a premises where check-in is required, you must:
- check in with the Service.NSW app or
- provide your details to the occupier of the premises.
Vaccination evidence
Most premises in NSW are now open to everyone, regardless of whether you are fully vaccinated or not.
You no longer need to show evidence that you are fully vaccinated at most premises in NSW.
However, you still need to show evidence that you are fully vaccinated if you
- attend an indoor music festival with more than 1000 people
- work in certain industries.
Check what you need as vaccination evidence.
Occupiers of premises
Some premises may choose to require people to be fully vaccinated as a condition of entry.
It is a matter for the occupier of each premises to exercise judgement on what is appropriate for their premises and the well-being of their staff and customers.
If you want to enter premises where an occupier has chosen to require you to be fully vaccinated, the occupier may ask to see your vaccination evidence. You do not have to show the occupier your vaccination evidence, but if you do not, the occupier may not let you in.
COVID-19 cases in the workplace
If you run a business, you must notify SafeWork if a worker has contracted COVID-19 at work, or was likely infectious in the workplace.
For more information visit Guidance for businesses with a worker who tests positive for COVID-19.
Sport, exercise and outdoor gatherings
General rules
Anyone can participate in sport, exercise, and outdoor gatherings.
- Customers are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at gyms).
- Face masks are not required.
Businesses are no longer required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help businesses keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
Gyms and indoor recreation facilities
Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can operate with no person or capacity limits in place, including for group fitness classes.
COVID-19 Safe Check-in is still required at gyms using the Service.NSW app, but this does not apply to dance, yoga, pilates, gymnastics or martial arts studios.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available.
Swimming pools are open for all purposes.
If you wish to attend a dance, yoga, pilates, gymnastics, martial arts studio or swimming pool that is located inside a gym, you must check in when you enter the gym.
Community sport
Community sports, including matches, competitions and training, can take place for all staff, spectators and participants.
Outdoor events
Outdoor events and gatherings can take place in NSW.
There is no limit to the number of fully vaccinated people able to attend outdoor events and gatherings.
Education, art and culture
Schools
Students already returned to face-to-face learning.
Follow the rules for schools at the Department of Educationlaunch.
Libraries, museums and galleries
Information and education facilities, including art galleries, museums and libraries are open.
Anyone can visit an information and education facility.
- Visitors and staff are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required.
- Face masks are not required.
Information and education facilities are no longer required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
Shopping and personal services
Anyone can visit retail or business premises.
- Customers and staff are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at personal services businesses).
- Face masks are not required.
Retail and businesses are no longer required to have a Safety Plan.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
Personal services
COVID-19 Safe Check in is required using the Service.NSW app at hairdressers, spas, nail salons, beauty salons, waxing salons, tanning salons, tattoo and massage parlours.
Restaurants and hospitality
Anyone can visit a restaurant, café and hospitality venue.
- Customers and staff are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at pubs, small bars, registered clubs).
- Face masks are not required.
Retail and businesses are no longer required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help best keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
Occupiers of hospitality venues
Examples of hospitality premises include casinos, restaurants, cafes, function centres, food courts, take away food and drink premises, kiosks, micro-breweries or small distilleries, cellar doors, pubs, registered clubs, small bars and nightclubs.
- There are no restrictions on the number of people allowed at hospitality venues.
- Drinking indoors and outdoors may be seated or standing and singing and dancing can take place.
- There is no limit on the number of people for a group booking.
Occupiers of pubs, registered clubs and small bars must take reasonable steps to ensure that each person who enters their premises completes a COVID-19 Safe Check-in when entering the premises.
Construction and renovations
Construction and renovations across NSW can continue.
Anyone can enter a construction site.
- People who enter a construction site are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required.
- Face masks are not required.
Retail and businesses are no longer required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help best keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
Work
Employers can allow staff to work from home at their discretion.
There are no restrictions on travelling throughout NSW.
Events and entertainment
Anyone can visit an entertainment facility or indoor and outdoor recreation facilities.
- Visitors and staff are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required.
- Face masks are not required.
Retail and businesses are no longer required to have a Safety Plan.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help best keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
Entertainment and recreation facilities
Entertainment facilities include cinemas, theatres, musical halls, concert halls, dance halls, drive-in cinemas and play centres.
Indoor and outdoor major recreation facilities include stadiums, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and showgrounds.
Indoor music festivals
Rules apply to indoor music festivals with over 1000 people in attendance.
An indoor music festival is:
- a music-focused or dance-focused event
- has performances by a series of persons or groups that perform live or are pre-recorded
- the persons or groups provide musical or live entertainment
- held indoors, within a defined area
- is a ticketed event.
Music festivals do not include events that:
- use a single stage
- are proposed to be held over a period of less than 5 hours
- have not more than 2 headlining performers
- not more than 4 performers in total.
Rules for organisers
Organisers of indoor music festivals with over 1000 people in attendance must
- take reasonable steps to ensure all people who enter the music festival check in with the Service.NSW app or provide contact details to the occupier.
People who are fully vaccinated can attend:
- an indoor music festival with more than 1000 people in attendance
- an outdoor music festival with up to 20,000 people in attendance.
People who are not fully vaccinated can attend:
- an indoor music festival with less than 1000 people in attendance
- an outdoor music festival with up to 20,000 people in attendance.
Organisers of music festivals may choose to request patrons provide vaccination evidence before entering the venue.
Weddings and religious ceremonies
Anyone can attend a wedding, funeral, or place of worship.
- Attendees or staff are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at funerals, memorial services, or gatherings afterwards).
- Face masks are not required.
Organisers are no longer required to have a Safety Plan.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help best keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
Density limits no longer apply to weddings, funerals or memorials.
Dancing and standing while drinking are permitted.
COVID-19 Safe Check-in for funerals and memorials
The occupier of a premises at which a funeral, memorial service or gathering is taking place must:
- Take reasonable steps to ensure all people who enter the premises check in with the Service.NSW app or provide contact details to the occupier.
Travel and transport
General rules
People are able to travel anywhere within NSW.
People who have recently arrived from overseas, must follow the rules for international arrivals.
You can travel in a vehicle or vessel with people you do not live with.
Sharing a vehicle and carpooling
For vehicles and vessels used as a public transport service, passengers and staff must follow the face mask rules.
If vehicles and vessels are used for private purposes, such as a party bus, commercial tour or function, passengers no longer need to check in with the Service.NSW app .
NSW Health strongly advises people wear face masks when they cannot socially distance.
Holidays and holiday homes
There are no restrictions on travelling between Greater Sydney and regional and rural NSW for holidays or recreational visits within NSW.
Holiday homes and short-term accommodation can be used by anyone.
There are no capacity limits for holiday homes and short-term accommodation.
International travel
New rules are in place for people travelling to NSW from overseas.
For more information about the rules around leaving and entering NSW from outside Australia, visit International travel to and from NSW.
RULES FOR PEOPLE IN NSW
Masks, COVID-19 Safe Check-in and vaccination evidence
Masks
Masks are strongly encouraged in settings where you cannot socially distance.
If you are over the age of 12, you must still wear a face mask:
- at a public transport waiting area
- while on public transport
- at airports and on aircraft when the aircraft is flying above NSW
- for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated.
Masks are no longer required in outdoor settings.
COVID-19 Safe Check-in
COVID-19 Safe QR check-ins are only required at
- pubs, small bars and registered clubs
- hairdressers, spas, nail, beauty, waxing, and tanning salons, tattoo parlours and massage parlours
- gyms (except dance, yoga, pilates, gymnastics, and martial arts studios)
- hospitals (except patients of hospitals or hospitals with an electronic entry recording system that records sufficient information that can be used for contact tracing)
- residential care facilities or hostels (except in relation to the residents)
- places of public worship
- funeral, memorials and gatherings afterwards
- nightclubs
- strip clubs, sex on premises venues, sex services premises
- indoor music festivals with more than 1000 people.
If you are entering a premises where check-in is required, you must
- check in with the Service.NSW app
- provide your details to the occupier of the premises.
Vaccination evidence
Most premises in NSW are now open to everyone, regardless of whether you are fully vaccinated or not.
You no longer need to show evidence that you are fully vaccinated at most premises.
However, you still need to show evidence that you are fully vaccinated if you
- attend a music festival with more than 1000 people
- at airports
- if you work in certain industries.
Check what you need as vaccination evidence.
Visiting family and friends
You are not required to be fully vaccinated to have people visit your home or visit people at their home.
However, if you are visiting an aged care facility or disability home, there may be rules that apply to you.
Check with the operator of the facility.
Sport, exercise and outdoor gatherings
Anyone can participate in sport, exercise, and outdoor gatherings.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at gyms).
- Face masks are not required.
Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can operate with no person or capacity limits in place, including group fitness classes.
COVID-19 Safe Check-in is still required at gyms using the Service.NSW app, but this does not apply to dance, yoga, pilates, gymnastics or martial arts studios.
Indoor swimming pools are open for all purposes.
Community sports, including matches, competitions and training, can take place for all staff, spectators and participants.
Anyone can participate in an outdoor public gathering, such as a barbeque or picnic.
Education, art and culture
Schools
Students have already returned to face-to-face learning.
Follow the rules for schools at the Department of Educationlaunch.
Libraries, museums and galleries
Information and education facilities, including art galleries, museums and libraries are open.
Anyone can visit an information and education facility.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe check-in is not required.
- Face masks are not required.
Shopping and personal services
Anyone can visit retail or business premises.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at personal services businesses).
- Face masks are not required.
Personal services
COVID-19 Safe Check-in is required using the Service.NSW app at hairdressers, spas, nail salons, beauty salons, waxing salons, tanning salons, tattoo and massage parlours.
Restaurants and hospitality
Restaurants, cafes and hospitality venues in NSW are open.
Anyone can visit a restaurant, café, and hospitality venue.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at pubs, small bars, registered clubs).
- Face masks are not required.
There are no restrictions on the number of people allowed at these venues.
Drinking indoors and outdoors may be seated or standing and singing and dancing can take place.
Examples of hospitality premises include casinos, restaurants, cafes, function centres, food courts, take away food and drink premises, kiosks, micro-breweries or small distilleries, cellar doors, pubs, registered clubs, small bars and nightclubs.
Construction and renovations
Construction and renovations across NSW can continue.
Anyone can enter a construction site.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required.
- Face masks are not required.
Work
Employers can allow staff to work from home at their discretion.
There are no restrictions about travelling for work in NSW.
Events and entertainment
Anyone can visit an entertainment facility or indoor and outdoor recreation facilities.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required.
- Face masks are not required.
Entertainment facilities include cinemas, theatres, musical halls, concert halls, dance halls, drive-in cinemas and play centres.
Indoor and outdoor recreation facilities include stadiums, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and showgrounds.
Indoor music festivals
Rules apply to indoor music festivals with over 1000 people in attendance. An indoor music festival is:
- a music-focused or dance-focused event
- performances by a series of persons or groups that are live or pre-recorded,
- the persons or groups provide musical or live entertainment
- held indoors, within a defined area
- is a ticketed event.
Music festivals do not include events that:
- use a single stage
- are proposed to be held over a period of less than 5 hours
- have not more than 2 headlining performers
- not more than 4 performers in total.
You need to check in with the Service.NSW app to indoor music festivals with more than 1000 people.
If you are fully vaccinated you can attend:
- an indoor music festival with more than 1000 people in attendance
- an outdoor music festival with up to 20,000 people in attendance
If you are not fully vaccinated you can attend:
- an indoor music festival with less than 1000 people in attendance
- an outdoor music festival with up to 20,000 people in attendance.
Organisers of an indoor music festival may request you provide vaccination evidence before entering the venue.
Weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies
Anyone can attend a wedding, funeral or place of worship.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at funerals, memorial services, or gatherings afterwards).
- Face masks are not required.
Density limits no longer apply to weddings, funerals or memorials.
Dancing and standing while drinking are permitted.
Travel and transport
You are able to travel anywhere within NSW.
If you have recently arrived from overseas, follow the rules for international arrivals.
You can travel in a vehicle with people you do not live with.
You can travel in a vessel with people you do not live with.
Holidays and holiday homes
There are no restrictions on travelling between Greater Sydney and regional and rural NSW for holiday or recreational visits within NSW.
Holiday homes and short-term accommodation can be used by anyone.
There are no capacity limits for holiday homes and short-term accommodation.
International travel
New rules are in place for people travelling to NSW from overseas.
For more information about the rules around leaving and entering NSW from outside Australia, visit International travel to and from NSW.
Victoria has reached Phase D of the National Plan with 90 percent of Victorians aged over 12 fully vaccinated.
Vaccination requirements apply to everyone aged over 12 years and two months, unless you have a valid medical exemption.
Many workers are required to be fully vaccinated if they are leaving home for work, regardless of whether their place of work is open for fully vaccinated patrons.
BOOSTER MANDATE FOR WORKERS IN SOME SETTINGS
The Victorian government has announced a requirement for workers in health care, aged care, disability, emergency services, correctional facility, quarantine accommodation and food distribution will be required to get a third dose before being able to return to work onsite.
These workers must already show proof of being double vaccinated and were among the first workers to get their first and second shots last year.
The orders come into effect at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 12 January 2022, and workers who are eligible for the booster from that date will have until February 12 to get the third dose.
Workers not yet eligible to get the third dose will have three months.
Retail supermarket staff are not included in the mandate. Nor will it apply to workers who have a valid medical exemption.
KEY CRITICAL WORKERS EXEMPT FROM CLOSE CONTACT ISOLATION
From 11:59pm, Tuesday 18 January, workers in emergency services, education, critical utilities, custodial facilities, transport and freight will join workers in the food production sector as being eligible for the exemption from close contact home isolation requirements to attend their workplace.
Under the conditions of the exemption, the worker may return to work if it is necessary for continuity of operations and if other options have been exhausted. The exemption will apply to attending work only, not any other settings.
In order to be eligible, the worker must first notify the employer of their status as a contact, and critically, both parties must consent to the worker returning to the workplace. They are already required to be fully vaccinated.
Strong measures will be required to reduce the risk of a contact attending work while infectious:
- The worker must undertake a daily Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) for five days and return a negative result prior to attending work each day
- They must wear a face mask at all times, with exceptions in the case of eating or drinking, or safety reasons, and a P2/N95 respirator is preferred
- The worker cannot enter shared break areas and the employer must try and facilitate solo break time. The employer must also take reasonable steps to deploy the worker in areas where transmission risk is lower
- If at any time the worker develops symptoms or tests positive on a RAT, the exemption no longer applies – they are a case, must isolate for 7 days, and must notify others including their employer.
The exemption order is identical to that granted by Victoria’s public health team for key food and beverage workers, and is designed to protect the state’s essential workforce during the continuing Omicron wave.
To ensure Victorians can continue to access essential food supplies, workers in the manufacturing, distribution or packaging of food and beverages including retail supermarket workers may be exempted from close contact isolation requirements in order to attend work from 11.59pm Wednesday 12 January, if it is necessary for continuity of operations and other options have been exhausted.
This exemption also currently applies to hospital workers, disability workers, residential aged care facility workers, and ambulance workers, but the use of an N95 mask at the workplace is a requirement, not a preference.
Close contacts, otherwise known as household and household-like contacts, are people who have spent more than four hours with a case inside a house, accommodation or care facility.
TESTING AND WORKPLACE CONTACT MANAGEMENT
- Victorians who test positive to COVID-19 (RAT or PCR test) must isolate for seven days from the date of their test.
- If a worker who has tested positive for COVID-19 has worked in an indoor space during their infectious period, they must inform their workplace as soon as possible.
- The workplace must identify and inform other workers who are contacts (including sub-contractors, but not customers).
- It will be mandatory for individuals to report the result of a positive RAT to the Department of Health through an online form or by phone.
- The operator of a work premises must then notify the Department of Health and Worksafe and the workplace's Health and Safety Rep.
- They must provide acceptable evidence of a negative result from any COVID-19 test before returning to the work premises.
Current COVIDSafe Settings
Mandatory face masks
From 11:59 pm, Thursday 6 January 2022, density limits of one person per 2 square metres will be introduced indoors at hospitality venues and entertainment venues.
The exception to this will be indoor cinemas and theatres, which are seated and masked. Venues affected include restaurants, cafés, pubs and nightclubs along with entertainment venues including arcades and amusement parks, casinos and gaming venues across Victoria.
It is also recommended that entertainment and hospitality venues and their patrons opt for seated service only and avoid indoor dancefloors.
Many venues can only open for people (including workers) who are fully vaccinated or excepted.
Going out
Venues you can attend if you are fully vaccinated include:
- food and drink venues (e.g. restaurants and pubs)
- nightlife venues (e.g. bars and nightclubs)
- entertainment venues (e.g. cinemas, zoos)
- events (e.g. festivals, fun runs and conferences)
- tourism venues (e.g. walking tours, buses)
- casinos/gaming venues and adult entertainment venues.
If you don’t meet the vaccination requirements, you can’t enter these venues.
indoor dancefloors in hospitality and entertainment venues will close from 11:59pm on Wednesday January 12, 2022.
Vaccination requirements don’t apply to food and drink venues operating for takeaway only.
Getting active
If you are fully vaccinated, you can attend sporting and recreation facilities (e.g. sports grounds, gyms and swimming pools) and sporting events.
If you don’t meet the vaccination requirements, you can’t enter.
Vaccination requirements don’t apply to people involved in community sport (e.g. a local footy match) or people using swimming pools for essential medical care like hydrotherapy.
Getting goods and services
Venues you can attend if you are fully vaccinated include:
- non-essential retail stores (e.g. books and jewellery shops)
- personal services (e.g. a hairdresser and beauty parlour)
- community premises (e.g. a library) and creative arts premises
- real estate services (inspection and auction).
If you don’t meet the vaccination requirements, you can’t enter.
If vaccination status isn’t being checked:
- real estate inspections can go ahead by private appointment for a single household, and the estate agent does not enter the premises during the inspection.
- community facilities can host essential public support groups, support services and health services in limited numbers.
Vaccination requirements don’t apply to essential retail stores (e.g. supermarkets, post office).
Seeing others
There are no limits to 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.
Weddings, funerals and worship
If everyone present is fully vaccinated, you can host or attend weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies at places of worship with no limits on density or attendance.
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. 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.
Work, education and childcare
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 home.
Schools, childcare centres and early childhood education are open to all ages. Masks must be worn indoors at school by staff, visitors and students in primary school.
If you are fully vaccinated or have a valid medical exemption, you can attend adult education facilities (e.g. university, TAFE). If you are not fully vaccinated, you can’t enter unless it cannot be taught online.
Travel
There are no limits on travel or accommodation within Victoria.
We strongly recommend that people staying in accommodation venues in Victoria (e.g. hotels, Airbnb) are fully vaccinated.
Vaccination requirements still apply to relevant settings within an accommodation complex, such as a restaurant or a gym.
There are no limits on leaving Victoria, but travel may be impacted by rules at your destination. Check before you book.
If you are entering Victoria from overseas, see the information for returned overseas travellers page to see your requirements.
High-risk settings
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.
See Visiting hospitals and Visiting care facilities below for more information.
Masks are still compulsory indoors in many settings. See Face masks - when to wear a face mask for more information on where masks are required.
Face masks
There is no requirement to wear face masks in most indoor and most outdoor settings. Face masks are strongly recommended where physical distancing cannot be maintained, indoors in public areas, if someone has any symptoms, or in the presence of people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19.
Masks are also strongly recommended for all students and staff in secondary schools. Carry a mask when leaving home.
Masks are required indoors at retail, health, care and justice facilities, at primary schools, and on public transport/taxis/rideshare.
Face masks no longer need to be worn at weddings, funerals, or ceremonial settings. If these events are held at places of worship there will not be any vaccination requirements or limits on participants, nor any requirement for organisers to check vaccination status. If the ceremony is at a hospitality setting, vaccine requirements will apply.
For more information, visit Face masks - when to wear a face mask.
QR code requirements
Every business must use the free Victorian Government QR Code Service to check-in customers, workers and visitors, with some limited exceptions. Every visitor must check-in, regardless of how long they are at the premises.
Businesses are required to provide an alternative record-keeping method for members of the public (or workers) that do not have a smartphone. This could include a kiosk option (via a tablet) or, as a last resort, pen and paper.
The Kiosk check-in service in the Service Victoria app allows venues to check-in guests who don’t have a smartphone or who can’t use the QR code service. The Kiosk enables workers to enter a customer’s name and contact phone number electronically, making it easier for contact tracers to contact people quickly if an outbreak occurs. Information collected using an alternative record-keeping method must be provided to Service Victoria if requested to do so by the Department of Health or Service Victoria.
Displaying QR codes
All workplaces that are required to use QR codes must display the QR code in a prominent location at each point of entry.
Markets and supermarkets are not considered large retail facilities for the purposes of this requirement. Supermarkets are required to request that customers check-in at point of sale. Supermarkets must have QR codes displayed at all points of sale and workers must request customers to check-in at the point of sale. Markets must also display QR codes at all points of sale. Market workers and retail shopping centre staff do not need to request that customers check-in at the main entrances.
Customer vaccination requirements
Patrons aged 12 years and two months or older are required to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination to enter a variety of businesses and to receive certain services across Victoria. These businesses must ensure customers have checked-in correctly and verify their customers’ vaccination status.
To do this, if the customer has correctly uploaded their COVID-19 Digital Certificate to their Service Victoria app, you will be able to see their vaccination status together with their check-in details. A confirmed check-in via the QR code will continue to display a green tick. Customers who don’t have a smart phone can prove their vaccination status by presenting a printed copy of their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate or immunisation history statement. Patrons who are not fully vaccinated can access ‘click and collect’ services, takeaway and obtain their goods outdoors from the front or back outside of a premises or delivered to a vehicle in a car park.
Visit How to check the vaccination status of your customers for more information. See the individual sector pages for the rules that apply to your business
Retail trade sector guidance
- General retail
- Essential retail
- Hairdressing, beauty and personal care facilities
- Display suites and auction houses
- Retail betting venues
General retail (all retail other than essential retail and Hairdressing, beauty and personal care facilities)
Open - a density quotient and patron cap do not apply.
Small general retail premises (less than 2000 square metres of indoor space accessible to the public)
A COVID Check-in Marshal is not required if the premises request:
- patrons show evidence of their vaccination status at the first possible point of service, and
- patrons record their attendance at the point of interaction.
All other general retail premises
Premises must ensure that:
- a COVID Check-in Marshal requests patrons show evidence of their vaccination status or a valid medical exemption
- a worker asks all patrons to check-in using the Service Victoria app at the entrance to the store. This worker does not have to be a designated COVID Check-in Marshal.
Hairdressing, beauty and personal care
Open – a density quotient and patron cap do not apply.
Small retail premises (less than 100 square metres of indoor space accessible to the public)
A COVID Check-in Marshal is not required if the premises ensures that it requests:
- patrons show evidence of their vaccination status or a valid medical exemption at the entrance or first possible point of service, and
- patrons to record their attendance at the point of service.
All other retail premises
A COVID Check-in Marshal must be at the entrance of the venue to ensure patrons check-in using the Service Victoria app and show evidence of their vaccination status or valid medical exemption.
Workers and customers can remove their face masks if it is not practical to wear them for the service that is being provided.
Essential retail (including supermarkets, common areas of shopping centres and grocery stores)
Open - a density quotient and patron cap do not apply.
Market stalls and essential retail premises with less than 2000 square metres of publicly accessible space (other than supermarkets)
Must ensure that a worker asks patrons to check-in using the Service Victoria app at the point of service. This worker does not have to be a designated COVID Check-in Marshal.
Essential retail premises with 2000 square metres of publicly accessible space or more (other than supermarkets, markets and shopping centres)
Must ensure that a worker asks patrons to check-in using the Service Victoria app at the entrance to the store. This worker does not have to be a designated COVID Check-in Marshal.
Supermarkets
Must ensure workers request patrons check-in using the Service Victoria app at the point of sale. This worker does not have to be a designated COVID Check-in Marshal.
From 11:59pm, 15 December 2021: The mandatory vaccination requirement will be removed for all customers in retail, except hair and beauty services, and will also be removed in real estate, places of worship, weddings and funerals. Mask settings in retail remain unchanged.
Hospitality - food and beverage services sector guidance
- Cafes
- Restaurants
- Fast-food stores
- Cafeterias
- Canteens
- Wineries
- Pubs and bars
- Food courts
- Food and drink facilities in a stadium or arena
Food and drink premises (other than food courts)
Café, restaurant, fast food store, cafeteria, canteen, winery, pubs and bars.
Open - From 11:59 pm, Thursday 6 January 2022, density limits of one person per 2 square metres will be introduced indoors at hospitality venues and entertainment venues.
The exception to this will be indoor cinemas and theatres, which are seated and masked. Venues affected include restaurants, cafés, pubs and nightclubs along with entertainment venues including arcades and amusement parks, casinos and gaming venues across Victoria.
A COVID Check-in Marshal must ensure patrons check-in via the Service Victoria app and show evidence of their vaccination status or valid medical exemption, whenever the facility is operating.
At small food and drink premises (premises where the total publicly accessible indoor and outdoor space is less than 100 square metres), a COVID Check-in Marshal may be located at the entrance of the venue or at the first possible point of service.
For more information on COVID Check-in Marshals, visit COVID Check-in Marshals.
Notes
- No group limit.
- Patrons are no longer required to remain seated indoors.
- Dancefloors can open.
Food courts
Open - From 11:59 pm, Thursday 6 January 2022, density limits of one person per 2 square metres will be introduced indoors at hospitality venues and entertainment venues.
The exception to this will be indoor cinemas and theatres, which are seated and masked. Venues affected include restaurants, cafés, pubs and nightclubs along with entertainment venues including arcades and amusement parks, casinos and gaming venues across Victoria.
A COVID Check-in Marshal is not required for food courts.
ELIGIBLE CRITICAL/ESSENTIAL WORKERS IDENTIFIED AS CLOSE CONTACTS EXEMPT FROM ISOLATION, WITH CONDITIONS
Critical Queensland workers will be able to provide essential services while they are classified close contacts provided they meet strict health criteria.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the move was restricted to a narrow range of industries to ensure essential services and supplies like groceries, petrol, energy, water, freight and others could continue.
Workers will need to be fully vaccinated and must wear a mask. They must be asymptomatic.
Critical or essential workers who are eligible and are able to work during the usual close contact quarantine
period will be required to:
- travel to and from work in a private vehicle
- while travelling and working, wear appropriate PPE
- maintain personal hygiene (hand washing etc)
- undertake regular symptom surveillance
- undertake a RAT on Day 6, consistent with the requirements for all close contacts.
If at any stage they develop symptoms, they need to return to quarantine immediately.
Employers need to determine if their organisation or business falls under the narrow list of critical industries, then identify which roles within their organisation are critical and cannot be performed from home, before notifying the Queensland Government.
A ‘critically essential worker’ will be defined as someone employed in one of the following industries, who must be in the workplace to do their job:
- health
- emergency services, including Police
- the resource sector
- power/utilities
- agriculture and fisheries production
- freight and logistics
- public transport
- teachers
- essential retail such as supermarkets and stores in remote locations/communities
- major manufacturing, distribution, and critical supply chains (for example food and petrol).
While they can go to work if they are a critical worker, they must continue to follow all other quarantine requirements.
QUEENSLAND RESTRICTIONS
From 17 December 2021, there will be no capacity restrictions on businesses that are only permitted to allow fully vaccinated people to attend, including:
- hospitality venues such as pubs, clubs, taverns, bars, restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets
- indoor entertainment venues such as nightclubs, live music venues, karaoke bars, concerts, theatres or cinemas, casinos
- outdoor entertainment activities such as sporting stadiums or theme parks
- festivals – either indoor or outdoor – such as musical festivals, folk festivals or arts festivals
- activities – either indoor or outdoor – such as convention centres and showgrounds
- Queensland Government owned galleries, museums or libraries
Venues used for private hire will have no capacity limit if people attending are fully vaccinated. However, if there is a person attending who is not fully vaccinated, COVID-19 density restrictions will apply. This means a maximum of 20 people or 1 per 4 square meters, whichever is less.
Masks
From 1am AEST Sunday, 2 January 2022 face masks will be required in all indoor settings except for in the home, and where it’s unsafe.
Masks are now required:
- In retail settings
- Public transport and rideshare
- Airports and on planes
- Cinemas and theatres
- In workplaces (unless it is unsafe to do so)
- Pubs, clubs and cafes (except when seated)
- Indoors stadiums and sports arenas (except when seated)
- Libraries
- Hairdressers and nail salons
- Waiting rooms at a medical centre
- In addition, employers are urged to return to work-from-home arrangements where possible.
These changes will be in effect across Queensland.
Queensland entry pass
You must apply for and receive a Queensland entry pass prior to your entry into Queensland. Find out what else you need if you are entering Queensland:
- from a hotspot (domestic arrival)
- from the border zone (Border Zone pass)
- from the green zone (no restrictions)
- from overseas
- having been to an interstate exposure venue.
POSITIVE RAT TESTS MANDATORY TO BE REPORTED TO SA HEALTH
Reporting positive RAT tests on SA Health mandatory from Thursday 13 January 2022.
Once you have a positive RAT test, you no longer also need a corroborative PCR result.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
South Australia is currently under Level 1 restrictions with some additional restrictions.
Level 1 restrictions
- 3/4 density (for seated activities)
- No communal consumption facilities
- 1/2 density (for non-seated activities)
- 1/4 density (indoor fitness facilities)
- Seated food and beverage consumption only for indoor defined public activities
- CMP: events of more than 1 000 people
- Shisha ban
- Gathering at home cap: 20 (gatherings at residential premises, including residents of residential premises)
- Private activity cap: 150 (private activities at non-residential premises)
- Masks for high risk settings
- Masks for personal care services (except for the person receiving the service, if necessary for the provision of the personal care service)
Additional restrictions
- Masks for health care services (except for the person receiving the service, if necessary for the provision of the health care service)
- Masks for passenger transport services
- Masks for indoor fitness facilities (except while exercising)
- Masks for shared indoor public places (except bridal parties during ceremonies)
- Restrictions on dancing and singing other than dancing at private functions and private activities as outlined below.
- Private activities with food and beverage consumption whilst standing at 1/2 density and approved contact tracing system & cap of 150, dancing is permitted with a cap of 50 at any one time.
- Private functions with food and beverage consumption whilst standing at 1/2 density with approved contact tracing system & cap of 150 (at relevant or ongoing licensed premises), dancing is permitted with a cap of 50 at any one time.
Note: An approved contact tracing system (QR code) is generated from a COVID Safe Plan.
Private activity
An event, function or other gathering held at a place that does not constitute a defined public activity (but does not include a gathering at home or an event, function or gathering involving only members of the same household).
-
- Food and beverage consumption whilst standing at a density of 1 person per 2 square metres, when seated 3 people per 4 square metres
- Must have an approved contact tracing system if food and beverage consumed while standing or any private activity with more than 50 attendees.
- Limit of 150 people (at non-residential premises)
- A maximum of 50 people are permitted to dance at any time where up to 150 people are present.
- Singing is permitted (masks must be worn indoors when in non-residential premises). Performers do not have to wear a mask.
- A private activity at which 51-150 people are present requires a COVID Marshal.
Note: The COVID Marshal must ensure they are independent and their faculties are not impaired in any way by alcohol or drugs while supervising the function.
Private function
An invitation-only event or function on a part of relevant licensed premises or an ongoing licensed premises* where there is no access for members of the public (not invited to the event or function:
- Food and beverage consumption whilst standing at a density of 1 person per 2 square metres, when seated 3 people per 4 square metres
- Must have an approved contact tracing system. This must be independent from the contact tracing system used by the relevant licenced premises.
- Limit of 150 people
- Singing is permitted (masks must be worn indoors). Performers do not have to wear a mask.
- A maximum of 50 people are permitted to dance at any time.
- Communal food and beverage areas are not permitted.
*Ongoing licensed premises means licensed premises under the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 in respect of which an ongoing licence under Part 3, Division 2, Subdivision 2 of that Act is in force. Note: a short term licence is not an ongoing licence.
Personal care
Personal Care includes services such as hairdressers, barbershops, beauty salons, nail salons, tattoo parlours, and other premises at which beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, piercing, body modification services are provided, as well as wellness centres, day spas, massage parlours, saunas, and bathhouses.
Masks
Masks (covering the mouth and nose) are required in:
- High risk settings
- Personal care services (except for the person receiving the service, if necessary for the provision of the health care service)
- Health care services (except for the person receiving the service, if necessary for the provision of the health care service)
- Passenger transport services
- Indoor fitness facilities (except while exercising)
- Shared indoor public places (except bridal parties during ceremonies)
A requirement that a person wear a face mask does not apply to a person:
- if they have a relevant medical condition, including problems with their breathing, a serious condition of the face, a disability or a mental health condition (Evidence of a relevant medical condition must be produced on request)
- in circumstances where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication, such as to enable communication by or with any patron who is deaf or hard of hearing
- in circumstances where removal of the mask is lawfully required for identification purposes
- when the person is eating or drinking
- if the person is a child under 12 years of age
- if the person is carrying out functions as an authorised worker and it is not possible to properly carry out those functions with a mask on.
Border Restrictions
At 80% double dose vaccinations (aged 16+), some restrictions will ease:
Borders:
- Open borders to fully vaccinated people from all Australian states and territories*
- Vaccinated international arrivals require 7 days quarantine
- Unvaccinated authorised arrivals require 14 days quarantine
Activities:
Restrictions remain in place:
- Masks in indoor public settings
- Current density and activity requirements
- 30 people at home gatherings
- Private activity cap of 150 people
*Quarantine will apply to LGAs with community transmission and less than 80% of the population fully vaccinated.
See more information on the South Australian COVID-19 website HERE.
COVID SAfe Check-In
All defined public activities and general retail industry premises must have a completed COVID Safe Plan and have an approved contact tracing system enabled.
All people entering the place must upload their relevant contact details to the approved contact tracing system. This upload is automatic when you use the COVID SAfe Check-In to scan the QR code.
For more information, visit the COVID Safe Checkin page.
WA remains in a State of Emergency. Some important measures and restrictions remain in place to help keep WA safe.
RESTRICTIONS
MASK MANDATE FOR PERTH AND PEEL
Masks are mandatory for Perth and Peel in all indoor public venues from 6pm, 16 January 2022.
The mask mandate will not apply to the home, people with disabilities, people doing vigorous indoor exercise, or children in primary school or younger.
Anyone who has been in the Perth or Peel region from January 6 is also required to wear a mask in indoor public places when travelling to another regional area.
MASK MANDATE FOR SOUTH WEST
Based on the latest health advice, a mask requirement for all indoor public settings will be introduced for the South West from 6:00pm, Monday 17 January, 2022.
Masks must be worn in all indoor public settings, including in vulnerable settings like aged care facilities and hospitals. The usual exemptions apply.
The mask-wearing requirement will also apply to anyone who has been in the South West since Wednesday 12 January, when a previously reported positive COVID-19 case was infectious in the community, and has since travelled to another region.
This public health rule is in addition to the mask-wearing requirement currently in place for Perth and Peel, which requires people who have been in Perth or Peel since Thursday 6 January to wear a mask in other regions.
SAFEWA & CONTACT REGISTERS
You can help keep WA safe by checking in at businesses and venues using SafeWA, or by leaving your details on a contact register.
Most businesses and venues are required to maintain a contact register. The WA Government’s SafeWA app is an easy way for people to check-in at businesses. A manual contact register must also be available.
Contact registers are essential in assisting contact tracers to identify people who may have been exposed to a positive case.
COVID SAFETY PLANS
COVID Safety Plans help ensure businesses actively mitigate the risks of COVID-19 in line with best available health advice.
Businesses that were required to close under the Emergency Management Act 2005 were required to complete a COVID Safety Plan prior to reopening and display a COVID Safety Plan Certificate. Those that were not required to close have voluntarily completed this.
Your COVID Safety Plan should be reviewed regularly and updated where necessary as health and government advice changes.
Industry-specific COVID Safety Guidelines and Plans are available HERE for:
- food businesses and licensed premises
- sport and recreation
- beauty and personal care services
- transport, freight and logistics.
If your business does not fall under these categories, please use the ‘General’ plan and guidelines.
WA'S SAFE TRANSITION PLAN
From Saturday 5 February 2022, WA will embark on its Safe Transition and ease interstate and international borders.
From Saturday 5 February, 2022, you will need to:
- wear a mask in certain venues and settings (usual exemptions apply)
- provide proof of being double dose vaccinated against COVID-19 when entering certain businesses, venues and large events
- check in using the SafeWA app or a manual contact register.
Additional public health and social measures will be introduced for regions in WA that have not reached an 80 per cent vaccination rate at the time of WA’s transition to protect residents and vulnerable communities.
Read more about the plan here.
Lockdown for Galiwin’ku and Yirrkala
Galiwin’ku and Elcho Island entered a 7-day lockdown from 2pm, Monday 17 January 2022.
The lockdown of Yirrkala commenced at 2pm, Monday 17 January 2022 for 72hrs.
During a lockdown, residents must stay at home and are only permitted to leave for the following five reasons:
- Medical treatment, including COVID testing or vaccination
- For essential goods and services, like groceries, medications or power tokens. Only one household member should visit the store, once per day.
- For work that is considered essential.
- For one hour of outdoor exercise a day within 5 km from your home with one other person or people from your house.
- To provide care and support to a family member or person who cannot support themselves. In case of an emergency.
Masks must be worn outside of the home.
Lockout for Alice Springs, Amoonguna, Yuendumu and Yuelamu
A lockout is in place for Alice Springs, Yuendumu, Amoongunaand Yuelamu.
- Alice Springs is in a lockout until 3pm, Sunday 23 January 2022.
- The lockout for Yuendumu, Yuelamu and Amoonguna remains in place until Sunday 23 January 2022.
Fully vaccinated people are able to live normally within the lockout area. Mandatory mask use remains in place.
Unvaccinated people 16 years and over, including those people who have received only their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, must stay at home during a lockout period and are only permitted to leave for the following four reasons:
- medical treatment, including COVID testing or vaccination
- for essential goods and services, like groceries, power tokens and medications
- for an hour of exercise, while wearing a mask;
- to provide care and support to a family member or person who cannot support themselves.
You cannot travel more than 30km from your home when leaving for one of the three reasons. If you need to go to the hospital and it is more than 30km from your home that is permitted.
Businesses and organisations are obligated to ensure employees, customers, visitors and participants are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated people may access essential services only including supermarkets, hospitals or to get takeaway food.
Anyone caught breaching CHO Directions – including not wearing a mask – face a $5,000 fine.
NT makes changes to allow asymptomatic close contacts to fulfill essential roles
Chief Minister Michael Gunner has announced on Monday, 10 January 2022, some changes for fully vaccinated, asymptomatic people who are essential workers who is considered essential for their workplace to function.
They can continue to work if take a daily rapid antigen test, wear their mask and stay isolated for 7 days when not at work.
"This only applies if you are an essential workers and are needed in order to keep that workplace functioning. These are things we've actually done before in specific situations, like we did with Woolworths in Katherine," Mr Gunner says.
Examples provided by Mr Gunner include:
- Childcare centres must stay open, every parent knows this. A childcare worker who is considered a close contact but is not symptomatic can continue working if they wear a mask and getting tested if they are necessary to keep their childcare centre open
- If a nurse at RDH is a close contact but is asymptomatic and continues testing negative, they can continue working while observing all the other safety measures they already have in place like PPE.
- A close contact supermarket worker can keep working while testing negative and being asymptomatic, as long as they are wearing their mask and staying away from common areas like break rooms.
Mandatory mask use
From 6pm on Friday 31 December 2021 an indoor mask wearing mandate will be introduced. A person must wear a mask while inside any premises, vehicle or vessel where they cannot maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people.
This includes pubs, clubs, restaurants, shopping centres, hairdressers, workplaces, public transport, taxi cabs, ride share and indoor boat cruises.
Masks are not required to be worn in private residences or while exercising. Children under the age of 12 do not need to wear a mask. It is highly recommended that everyone wears a mask when outdoors, particularly at any large public outdoor events.
Face masks provide an extra layer of protection and are proven to be effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19, particularly when physical distancing can’t be applied.
Children under the age of two years should not wear a mask. It is up to individuals to decide if children over two years of age wear a face mask.
Those people who have a relevant medical or health condition should not wear a mask if it is not safe or appropriate to do so.
Personal behaviour remains our best defence against COVID-19 which is why it is important for everyone to follow all health directions.
- Book your Covid-19 vaccine
- Check in using The Territory Check In App every time, everywhere.
- If you have symptoms, stay away from others and get tested for COVID-19.
- Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitiser regularly.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Put your tissue in the bin straight away.
- Do not travel or go to work if you are sick.
- Maintain a physical distance of 1.5m at all times.
Mask mandates at airports
Chief Health Officer Directions make it mandatory for face masks to be worn at all major NT airports and while on board an aircraft. Masks must be worn when inside the airport and when on the airfield.
Children under the age of 12 and people with a specified medical condition are not required to wear a mask.
Mask wearing is mandatory at the following Northern Territory airports:
- Darwin International Airport
- Alice Springs Airport
- Connellan Airport - Ayers Rock (Yulara)
- Gove Airport
- Groote Eylandt
A person is not required to wear a mask during an emergency or while doing any of the following:
- Consuming food or beverage
- Communicating with a person who is hearing impaired
- Wearing an oxygen mask
It is the responsibility of individuals to make sure they have a mask to wear when at major NT airports and while on board an aircraft.
CURRENT ACT RESTRICTIONS
FACE MASKS
Any person aged 12 years or older must wear a face mask when entering or using the following:
- In all indoor settings (other than a place of residence), public transport, hospitality venues and offices.
- High risk facilities, including a hospital, residential aged care facility, correction and detention facilities, residential accommodation facilities that support people who require frequent, close personal care and who are vulnerable to disease.
- On public transport, including a public bus, light rail vehicle, taxi, rideshare vehicle, hire car or demand response service vehicle (drivers of these vehicles should continue wearing a mask when transporting passengers).
- In all indoor spaces at a school, early childhood education and care settings(including out of school hours care), noting that only children in Years 7 to 12 are required to wear a face mask while in an indoor space at school. Children in Years 3 to 6 are encouraged to wear a mask when indoors at school, if they are comfortable doing so (this is at the discretion of the student and their parent, carers or guardians). This requirement will be reviewed prior to recommencement of the school year in 2022.
Indoor Front of House Hospitality Staff are also required to wear a face mask when working.
A person may remove their face mask in the following situations:
- when consuming food, drink or medicine (for the hospitality sector, patrons can remove masks if seated)
- when communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing and visibility of the mouth is essential for communication
- if asked to remove a face mask to ascertain identity (for example, if asked by a police officer)
- when the nature of a person’s work means that wearing a face mask creates a risk to health and safety
- if it is necessary for the proper provision of goods or services
- when undertaking vigorous exercise
- because of an emergency.
- when performing essential work in an indoor space, but only when:
- in an office where no other people are present
- when sitting or standing at a workstation in an office, and
- 1.5 metres away from any other person.
SOCIAL GATHERINGS, LEAVING HOME AND VISITORS
Home Visits
- No limit on number of visitors to a home
Informal Outdoor Gatherings
- No limit on the number of people permitted at informal outdoor gatherings
Organised Events (Outdoor and Indoor)
- All organised events must develop a COVID Safety Plan.
- The COVID Safe Event Checklist (for events up to 2,000 people) is available for use and once completed is regarded as the Event COVID Safety Plan.
- Density limits of one person per two square metres will apply for all indoor spaces (exc staff).
- Events over 1,000 people must be ticketed or pre-registered(smaller events must use Check in CBR)
- Events of between 1,000 and 2,000 people must submit their COVID Safety Plan to ACT Health.
- Events and gatherings greater than 2,000 people must seek an exemption, in accordance with the COVID Safe Event Protocol.
- Density limits may need to be applied to larger events being held in outdoor spaces.
- No capacity limits on the size of events that will be considered for an exemption, but event organisers must work closely with ACT Health and other relevant ACT Government agencies in the development of event COVID Safety Plans.
TRAVEL (INTERSTATE AND INTERNATIONAL)
Interstate Travel
- A risk-based approach to determining travel restrictions going forward.
- Existing high risk geographical areas will be reviewed and any changes will come into effect from 12 November 2021.
- If high risk geographical areas remain, exemptions will continue to be required prior to travel:
- Fully vaccinated travellers can enter the ACT for any reason, without the need to quarantine or undergo testing. Exemptions will be issued automatically.
- Unvaccinated travellers can travel for essential reasons only. Exemption applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and certain conditions (testing and/or stay at home) may be applied.
International Travel
- International travellers who are fully vaccinated no longer need to quarantine on arrival into the ACT.
- Testing requirements apply
- Restrictions on entry into high risk and other settings
Modified quarantine requirements for dependents under 18 years of age.
- International travellers who are not fully vaccinated must quarantine for 14 days at port of entry.
- Exemptions can be considered for travel to the ACT to complete quarantine, but only in exceptional circumstances.
- Further changes to international travel requirements will be considered, in line with Commonwealth advice.
More information is available here.
BUSINESS (INCLUDING RETAIL)
Businesses not covered elsewhere in the Direction (including Retail, whether Essential or Non Essential)
- Businesses must meet their work, health and safety obligations.
- One person per two square metres must be applied to any indoor areas of the business which are accessible to the public.
- No density limits apply to outdoor spaces which are accessible to the public.
HOSPITALITY AND LICENSED VENUES
Licensed Venues, Cafes, Restaurants and Food Courts
- 25 people across the venue before density limits apply (exc staff).
- If businesses wish to have more than 25 people, they can apply:
- One person per two square metres per usable indoor space (exc staff).
- No density limits apply to outdoor spaces.
- Eating and drinking while standing is permitted.
- Dancing is permitted.
- Venues to display a sign at the entrance of each space specifying occupancy limit for any indoor spaces.
Food Courts
- Can apply one person per two square metres within each indoor space
- Eating and drinking while standing is permitted.
HAIRDRESSING, BEAUTY AND PERSONAL SERVICES
Hairdressing and Barbers, Beauty Therapy, Day Spas, Nail Salons, Waxing Salons, Tanning Salons, Tattoo Parlours and Body Modification Studios
- 25 people across the venue before density limits apply (exc staff).
- If businesses wish to have more than 25 people, they can apply:
- One person per two square metres per usable indoor space (exc staff).
PLACES OF WORSHIP, WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS
Places of Worship
- 25 people across the venue before density limits apply (exc staff).
- If places of worship wish to have more than 25 people, they can apply:
- One person per two square metres per usable indoor space (exc staff).
- No density limits apply to outdoor spaces.
- Choirs should continue to maintain physical distancing from congregation while singing.
Funerals
- 25 people across the venue before density limits apply (exc staff).
- If funerals wish to have more than 25 people, they can apply:
- 25 people across the venue before density limits apply (exc staff).
- If funerals wish to have more than 25 people, they can apply:
Weddings
- 25 people across the venue before density limits apply (exc staff).
- If more than 25 people, venues can apply:
- One person per two square metres within each indoor space (exc staff), and
- One person per two square metres within each outdoor space (exc staff).
- Eating and drinking while standing is permitted.
- Dancing is permitted.
FITNESS AND SPORT
Gyms, Health Clubs, Fitness Centres or Wellness Centres, Personal Training and Bootcamps
- 25 people across the venue before density limits apply (exc staff).
- If businesses wish to have more than 25 people, they can apply:
- One person per two square metres per usable indoor space (exc staff).
- No density limits apply to outdoor spaces.
- Class sizes limited by density restrictions.
GATHERING LIMITS FOR TASMANIA
Businesses
The number of people permitted at businesses/activities without applying for approval under the Framework (other than households and the premises specified at the section on exceptions to the gathering limits is determined by the density of the area, up to a maximum of:
- 250 people for an undivided space indoors
- 500 people in an undivided space outdoors.
The maximum number does not include staff, volunteers or contractors.
The maximum density rule of 2 square metres per person applies. If the number of people permitted according to the density limit is less than the gathering limit, the lower number applies.
Where practicable, business operators, staff, volunteers and attendees should maintain 1.5 metres distancing from other people.
For mixed-use venues with multiple indoor or outdoor spaces, the gathering limit applies separately to each single undivided space. For example, a large hotel with multiple, separate indoor spaces (eg conference room, bar, restaurant, foyer, beer garden), is permitted to have up to 250 people for each of these spaces (and the density limit applies).
Business restrictions allow standing activities – like darts, pool, eight-ball, snooker and karaoke – in licensed venues.
A cap on the number of people permitted to stand while drinking alcohol and/or dancing is required because large numbers of people mixing freely and closely while consuming alcohol are very high-risk settings for spreading COVID-19.
- Standing and drinking alcohol and/or dancing is permitted in premises with a liquor licence or liquor permit up to a maximum of 100 people in indoor spaces and 250 people in outdoor spaces, within current density requirements.
- Patrons in other parts of the premises or event can also consume alcohol while sitting down, subject to density requirements.
- For example, a venue with a maximum density capacity of 200 can have 100 people dancing, however the other 100 people must be seated to be drinking alcohol.
Entertainment venues & events (indoor & outdoor)
The updated Framework for COVID-19 Safe Events and Activities clearly details the new framework.
To help manage risks
- there must be a COVID contact person for every event or venue
- a COVID-19 Safety Plan must be used at all events and venues
- the event organiser (or contact person) must be ready to present the COVID-19 Safety Plan to an authorised officer immediately on request
- everyone at an event or venue must maintain at least 1.5 metres distancing between themselves and other people, whenever possible
- information must be collected to support rapid contact tracing if required
- other conditions may be imposed through the assessment and approval process
Stadiums & arenas
Operators of stadiums and arenas can apply to increase attendance numbers to the number of seats provided. Where seating is not provided, the maximum number of people permitted is 1 person per 2 square metres of available space.
To help manage risks
- there must be a COVID contact person for every event or venue (except for Tier 1 events)
- a COVID-19 Safety Plan must be used at all events and venues (except for Tier 1 events)
- the event organiser (or contact person) must be ready to present the COVID-19 Safety Plan to an authorised officer immediately on request
- everyone at an event or venue must maintain at least 1.5 metres distancing between themselves and other people, whenever possible
- information must be collected to support rapid contact tracing if required
- other conditions may be imposed through the assessment and approval process
Compulsory recording of contact details
Under the Contact Tracing Direction, every person 16 years of age or older attending a range of businesses, organisations and events (including staff) is required to provide their information for contact tracing using the free Check in TAS app.
Operators of the relevant locations are required to register with Check in TAS and prominently display the Check in TAS QR code at all entrances to the premises.
If anyone does not have or cannot use a smartphone or the Check in TAS app, they may be checked in by another person in their group, or by the operator or staff at the premises. If no suitable device is available, their details may be recorded with pen and paper. Businesses are permitted to refuse entry to a person who does not provide the required information.
More information, including when and how staff may manually record contact information, is available at www.checkin.tas.gov.au
Sport & recreation
This information is for community sporting events and does not cover the requirements for events at large outdoor stadiums and outdoor arenas.
If the sporting facilities have seating provided, the total capacity will be equal to the number of seats provided.
If the sporting facilities do not have seating provided, gathering limits will be the lesser of:
- 1 person per 2 square metres, or
- 250 people for an undivided space indoors, or
- 1,000 people in an undivided space outdoors.
Maximum numbers include all people present, including staff, volunteers, event spectators, athletes, coaches, children and babies.
Where practicable, operators, staff, volunteers and attendees should maintain 1.5 metres distancing from other people, and maintain physical distancing when exiting, entering, or in the lobby or foyer of a building.
For sporting and recreation facilities with multiple indoor spaces, the gathering cap applies separately to each single undivided indoor space. For example, a multi-purpose sporting venue with multiple, separate, undivided indoor spaces, could have up to 250 people in each of these spaces (and the density limit applies). However, the maximum of 1,000 people outdoors at a premises at one time applies regardless of whether there are multiple outdoor areas.
Sporting activities are permitted based on Level C of the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport, which means that the following are permitted:
- full contact training
- full competition sport (contact and non-contact)
- sharing of equipment where necessary
- use of change rooms and other shared facilities.
Larger teams should consider maintaining small group separation at training, and non-essential social gatherings should be limited.
Gathering limits and the requirement to maintain physical distancing where practical applies to all sports, exercise and recreation.
Read more about Sport and recreation.
Household visitors
Gatherings at residential premises – including shacks – are limited to up to 100 people (including children and babies) at any one time. This limit includes all residents of the household and the people who ordinarily reside at the house or shack.
The household gathering limit of 100 people applies whether the gathering is indoors or outdoors, and for all types of gatherings, including barbecues and celebrations.
You should not visit others or have visitors to your home if you are unwell.
Churches, places of worship and funeral homes
New directions for the Management of Premises - No 13 and Mass Gatherings - No 5 allow more people to attend religious services and funeral services in Tasmania.
Indoor seated gatherings
Smaller seated gatherings at churches, places of worship, memorial events and funeral services may accommodate up to 250 people or 100 per cent of seating capacity, whichever is fewer, without assessment or approval.
Staff, clergy, church attendants, choir members and anyone assisting with or performing the service are not included in the 250-person limit.
Larger gatherings of more than 250 people may be allowed, but organisers must first register with Business Tasmania for approval and adhere to the relevant restrictions.
- At venues with seating where more than 250 people will be attending and will be seated most of the time, the maximum number of attendees may be up to 100 per cent of seating capacity.
- In unseated areas, such as a foyer, a maximum of one person per two square metres of floor space may be allowed.
To help manage risks
- there must be a COVID contact person for every event or venue (except for Tier 1 events)
- a COVID-19 Safety Plan must be used at all events and venues
- the event organiser (or contact person) must be ready to present the COVID-19 Safety Plan to an authorised officer immediately on request
- everyone at an event or venue must maintain at least 1.5 metres distancing between themselves and other people, whenever possible
- information must be collected to support rapid contact tracing if required
- other conditions may be imposed through the assessment and approval process
Additional requirements for licensed venues
Standing activities – like darts, pool, eight-ball, snooker and karaoke – are allowed in licensed venues.
A wide range of businesses and venues, including restaurants, cafes and other retail food businesses where food is sold for consumption on-site, as well as businesses that serve alcohol for consumption on-site, must register and use the free Check in TAS app to collect the contact information of all people aged 16 years and over who enter the premises, regardless of how long they will be there. For more information, refer to 'Compulsory recording of details for contact tracing' in the Business section.
Weddings
Churches and commercial premises
The number of people permitted at a wedding at a church or a commercial or public venue (including a public park) is determined by the size of the venue and the density limits that apply to all venues.
The maximum number of people permitted is 1 person per 2 square metres, up to a limit of 250 people at an indoor venue and 500 people at an outdoor venue.
These numbers do not include staff or contractors such as a celebrant, photographers, caterers, musicians and drivers.
Residential premises
The number of people permitted to attend a wedding at a residential premises is up to 100 people.
This number includes the people who normally live at the house, as well as the bridal party, celebrant, guests, children, babies, photographers, caterers, musicians and drivers.
The 100-person limit still applies if the wedding is held on a large private property, farm or block of land that also includes a residential premises, unless the part of the property on which the wedding is to be held is – as part of the property’s normal operations for the provision of services – normally used for weddings.
A wedding held in a barn on a property that forms part of a residential premises on acreage would still be limited to 100 people, including the people who usually live on the property.
TRAVELLING TO TASMANIA
From December 15, with a 90 per cent vaccination rate, you can enter Tasmania from anywhere within Australia, subject to:
Full vaccination (12 years+)*, and returning a negative test within 72hours of travel** (a test is not required from a fully vaccinated Tasmanian, if their trip is less than 7days). People who travel to Tasmania who do not meet these criteria will be subject to additional quarantine and testing requirements.
*unless an exemption applies
**the test will be in place for up to 4 weeks, subject to review.
OVERSEAS ARRIVALS
There is no quarantine for fully vaccinated arrivals with a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to travel.
Reopening roadmaps
We will display state reopening roadmaps and restrictions per milestone as they become available on official government websites. Please note not all states have released their reopening roadmaps as yet.
NEW SOUTH WALES
NSW has released their roadmap for both 70%, 80% double dose vaccinations, 8 Nov and 15 Dec.
QUEENSLAND
QLD has released their roadmap for both 70%, 80% and 90% double dose vaccinations.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
ACT has released a pathway forward based on specific dates, instead of vaccination rates.
TASMANIA
TAS has released their roadmap for 80% & 90% (confirmed from 15 Dec 2021) double dose vaccinations.
