Download a copy of the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House COVID-Safe Plan, Version 7. Updated 26 July 2022.

COVID-Safe

Keep up to date on the Victorian Department of Health Coronavirus website:

Prevention is the best protection
Anyone can get sick from COVID-19, but some people are more vulnerable to severe illness if they have existing health problems or are older.

We can all take steps right now to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the wider community.

COVID Victorian DOH website Health Advice page 26 July 2022

COVID-19 advice for Victorians to stay well in winter

Sensible changes to pandemic orders and public health recommendations and requests came into place at 11:59pm 12 July 2022:

  • In line with AHPPC advice, the period when someone is considered a recently confirmed case (and therefore exempt from testing and isolation/quarantine requirements) has been revised to four weeks, down from 12 weeks. This reflects the emerging evidence that new variants of COVID-19 can evade prior immunity gained from infection and may cause reinfection.
  • Positive cases are still required to isolate for seven days from the day they took their test but an additional reason to leave home has been added – to provide transport for a household member to obtain essential food, only if transport is essential or if other arrangements cannot be made. The infected person will need to remain in the car and wear a face covering at all times.
  • A significant new investment will boost public health messaging and engagement efforts with the community to encourage third and fourth COVID-19 vaccination doses, flu vaccination, the benefits of wearing a mask and maximizing ventilation indoors. The Stay Well This Winter campaign will run across TV, radio, outdoor and digital channels. This investment will support community leaders and business to encourage the uptake of sensible, preventative actions to keep well this winter.
  • The Government has also announced another round of its Small Business Ventilation Grant Program to help businesses invest in equipment that will keep their workers and customers safe in indoor settings.
  • 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.

Source: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/how-we-work-current-restrictions (26 July 2022)