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Vic COVID-19 update: Pandemic order changes now in place
13/10/2022
What you need to know
- Victorian pandemic orders were revoked at 11.59pm last night 12 October aligning with national changes coming into effect on 14 October.
- Disability services will be required to maintain protective measures, including mandated vaccination and managing workers who test positive, with details still to come.
- People not required to follow vulnerable settings requirements will no longer need to isolate following a positive COVID-19 test or carry out RA tests when a close contact contracts the disease.
- Anyone who is COVID-positive and experiencing symptoms of illness is strongly recommended to isolate until symptoms have ceased and check with GP eligibility for antiviral treatments.
Changing Pandemic order and COVID requirements
Disability providers should communicate with workers, participants and families the changes occurring with revoked pandemic orders coming into effect from today, Thursday 13 October. COVID-19 focus has shifted to preventative measures against infection including recommendations for ongoing testing and isolation when symptomatic to reduce community transmission.
The changes are consistent with the National Cabinet decision for all states and territories from Friday, 14 October. Victoria’s changes come a day earlier because existing orders were due to expire and will not be replaced.
National Cabinet has agreed that sensitive settings, such as Aboriginal, health, aged care, in-home supports and disability sectors, will be required to maintain COVID-19 protective measures with workers, including mandatory vaccination and recommend isolation.
Victoria’s changes were announced on 7 October with additional guidance on the protective measures for disability services being finalised by the Departments of Health and Families, Fairness and Housing. NDS will provide any updates that affect the disability sector when they become available. In the interim, providers are recommended to maintain existing COVID-19 protective measures.
Changes for the disability sector:
- Disability providers will be required to ensure workers have provided evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination (completed primary dose and at least one booster), unless they are medically exempt or meet exception rules.
- National Cabinet announced eligible healthcare workers will continue to receive targeted financial support to isolate if they test positive to COVID-19 to protect the people they care for. Eligible workers include those in Aboriginal, hospital, aged care and disability care work and those providing in-home care.
- Victorians (not identified as sensitive settings workers) will no longer be required to isolate after testing positive to COVID-19; instead, isolation will be strongly recommended especially for any person who is experiencing symptoms
- Close contacts are strongly recommended to use rapid antigen tests to check for COVID infection and wear a face mask indoors during the time of testing.
COVID-19 vaccinations strongly recommended
Current COVID-19 vaccination uptake has significantly reduced across Australia in recent months. Health experts, however, are highlighting the importance for everyone to access the COVID-19 booster or primary course of vaccine they are eligible to receive.
Vaccine protection significantly reduces within four months of the previous dose. Health experts warn further COVID outbreaks are expected as soon as early 2023.
People who keep up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations reduce their risk of serious illness if infected with COVID-19.
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For any enquiries, please contact Heather McMinn, Disability Sector Consultant, submit enquiry/feedback, show phone number