- Restrictions are being relaxed as the state records 70% first dose vaccination rate
- Construction workers will need to prove they have received at least one dose
- Property Council has welcomed the announcement
With Victoria set to hit its 70% first dose vaccination target today, new freedoms have been announced.
Outdoor social interaction, exercise and the distance Melburnians can travel from home will be relaxed in time for this weekend.
Additionally, the state government has conceded that real estate inspections can now be resumed by appointment only, something that the REIV had been pressuring the government to do.
Only people from the same household can attend the inspection appointment, while real estate agents themselves must remain outdoors during the inspection.
Mandatory vax for construction workers
However, restrictions are being tightened for the construction industry – such workers state-wide will need to show evidence that they have had their first dose of the vaccine by Thursday, 23 September.
Proof-of-booking exceptions and limited medical exceptions will apply, in line with previous requirements for residential aged care workers.
Due to cases seeding from Melbourne into regional Victoria, construction workers will now not be able to cross the metropolitan-regional boundary for work purposes.
Team rooms will need to close and food or drink can’t be consumed indoors. Worker shift bubbles must remain in practice and all sites will require a Covid-safe marshal on site.
The announcement comes days after the Victorian government announced priority Pfizer bookings for Victorian construction workers.
“We’ve got a vaccination blitz underway for construction workers – and I encourage everyone in the industry to phone up today for a priority booking, wherever they live,” said Martin Foley, the Minister for Health.
Industry support
The Property Council welcomed the decision by the state government.
“Mandatory vaccinations are a win for the property and construction sectors and our workforce, and a win for the Victorian community and economy,” said Danni Hunter, the Victorian Executive Director of the Property Council.
“Mandatory vaccinations will protect workers and the broader Victorian community, keep construction sites safe and boost jobs and important economic activity for Victoria as we begin to emerge from lockdown.”
At present, the construction industry is currently operating at 25% capacity.
The Property Council recently announced its ‘Get the Jab Done’ initiative to bolster rates.
“Mandating vaccinations will accelerate our recovery and we applaud the Victorian Government for taking this important step,” added Ms Hunter.
