Premier's announcement: Guidance on non-essential closures

In line with advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, the Victorian Government will implement a shutdown or restriction of non-essential activity across our state to help combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The shutdown will be in place effective midday today (23 March 2020).

In this instance, non-essential business is defined as a:

• pub, bar, club or nightclub except for bottle shops
• a hotel, whether licensed or unlicensed, except for accommodation, takeaway meals or a meal delivery service
• gym
• indoor sporting venue
• casino
• entertainment venue
• restaurant or café, except for takeaway meals or a meal delivery service
• place of worship, other than for the purposes of a wedding or funeral that otherwise complies with density restrictions

All other businesses will remain unimpacted under the current requirements.

This action is imperative to ensuring the safety of our state.

Without it, more Victorians will contract the virus, overwhelming our hospitals and putting more lives at risk.

Read advice on the directions from the Deputy Chief Health Officer (PDF format).

The latest health advice can be found on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

Victorian school holidays have been brought forward to commence on Tuesday March 24.

Schools will use this time to support teachers and staff in planning for flexible and remote learning in case schools need to move to that method of teaching. For more information see the Department of Education and Training website.

Read the Premier’s latest statements.

For further information about what this means for your business or workplace, please see the Business Victoria website or email info@business.vic.gov.au.