METROPOLITAN Melbourne businesses from tomorrow are set to ease COVID restrictions and fall in line with most regional businesses.

The easing of restrictions, which will apply from 11.59pm Thursday June 10, will allow Melbourne businesses freedom to operate conditional to using a COVIDSafe Plan, said the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce.

The VACC said all businesses must use a QR code check-in system which has an app that is available to download free from the Victorian government’s coronavirus website.

The QR code system now applies to all employers operating an automotive business in metropolitan Melbourne, and those operating a food and drink facility and/or a retail facility in regional Victoria.

“A free QR code poster pack is being prepared by the VACC and will arrive at all member businesses over the coming days,” the VACC said.

It said “the five reasons to leave home will no longer apply in metro Melbourne and the existing 10km limit will be increased to 25km.”

Regional dealers remain able to fully open for sales and service following the previous update from the Victorian government.

The VACC said: “Motor vehicle dealerships and parts retailers in regional Victoria can continue to trade.

“These businesses need to operate within all government guidelines, including density parameters and the wearing of face masks, checking in upon arrival, and having and using a COVIDSafe plan.”

“VACC continues to recommend that, where possible, all businesses implement contactless practices.”

UPDATED: 4/06/2021 3:00PM

REGIONAL dealers can now fully open for sales and service in the latest update from the Victorian government.

The VACC said: “Motor vehicle dealerships and parts retailers in regional Victoria can continue to trade.

“These businesses need to operate within all government guidelines, including density parameters and the wearing of face masks, checking in upon arrival, and having and using a COVIDSafe plan.”

“VACC continues to recommend that, where possible, all businesses implement contactless practices.”

The metropolitan dealer rules remain unchanged, with service facilities available for motorists and click-and-collect for sales. The 10km rule applies to travel.

UPDATED: 02/06/2021 3:50PM

VICTORIA’S automotive industry will remain under the same restrictions as the past seven days following the state’s extension today of the lockdown.

The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) said the only small update is a change from the five-kilometre travel rule, now extended to 10km.

At 11:59pm Thursday June 3, Victoria will enter a further seven days of lockdown that the National Retail Association said will result in a $2 billion “hammer blow” to the state’s retail industry.

The VACC reiterated that travel permits are not required for travelling to work and the new 10km rule does not apply to motorists needing service or repair to their vehicle.

VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym said the automotive industry can maintain its business with the retail sales side needing to move to click-and-collect.

He said service and repair of vehicles can carry on as usual, while ensuring compliance with the COVIDSafe practices.

Mr Gwilym said the 10km rule applies to shopping and exercise but not for people driving to a service centre.

“This means that while we wouldn’t be encouraging customers to travel long distances, if they did need to travel more than 10km for service and repair then that is permitted,” he said.

“The second clarification is on travel permits when travelling to work. These are not required at this stage,” he said.

However, regional Victorians are hoping to enjoy new freedoms from midnight on Thursday as Melbourne remains under extended lockdown. 

The VACC said that after this second phase of the circuit breaker comes into force from Thursday, 3 June 11.59pm, metropolitan Melbourne and regional restrictions will differ.

The government said that regional Victoria had no community transmission so restrictions are planned to start easing from 11:59pm tomorrow night. Tracing and testing in regional areas will continue for the next 24 hours to confirm that this change can go ahead. 

The VACC said that people in regional areas, including automotive workers, will be required to use face masks but will have no restrictions on leaving their homes.

The previous seven-day lockdown was announced by the Victorian government, effective from 11:59pm Thursday May 27 to 11:59pm Thursday June 3. The new one applies from June 3 and will run for an estimated seven further days, if no new COVID cases are revealed. 

The government said that essential shops like supermarkets, food stores, bottle shops, banks, petrol stations and pharmacies will remain open. However, cafes and restaurants will only be able to offer take away.

Gyms, hairdressers and entertainment venues will all close and non-essential retail may only open for click-and-collect services.

The VACC confirms that automotive is an essential service and for service and repair, can remain open while sales and parts will be restricted to click-and-collect operations.

VACC said its members must have COVIDSafe plans in place and note that customers remaining onsite for more than 15 minutes need to sign in. 

It also said that VACC members, including dealerships, must operate on the six COVIDSafe principles including physical distancing, practising good hygiene and wearing a mask.

They should also have contactless operations in place, including pickup and delivery of parts and vehicles, and key drop-off box facilities.

The lockdown enforces face masks to be worn inside (except in the home) and outdoors. 

Victorians will be permitted to leave their homes for five reasons only:

• for food and supplies, limited to one person per day, per household
• authorised work
• care and caregiving
• exercise for up to two hours, with one other person
• getting vaccinated

Exercise and shopping is limited to 10km from home. The regulations state that if there are no shops within the radius, Victorians are permitted to travel to the closest outlet.

The VACC said that its OHS&E unit (telephone (03) 9829 1265 or email ohs@vacc.com.au) is available to support members and answer questions they may have about updating or maintaining their OHS&E obligations.

By Neil Dowling