Getting started

As the COVIDSafe Summer restrictions remain in place, we encourage Cardinia businesses to review the information in this Business Reopening Toolkit.

The advice in the toolkit is subject to direction from the Victorian Government , and should not be construed as legal advice or replace specific instructions that may be issued by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Prepare your business

  • Develop a COVID Safe plan. If you need assistance, please call 13 22 15.
  • Evaluate the demand for your products and services in short/medium term
  • Assess IT and POS systems support for evolving work requirements
  • Ensure contactless payments methods are available
  • Confirm your current insurance policy includes coverage for your business to reopen within a declared pandemic environment

Prepare your workforce

  • Identify who will return to work, prepare a staff schedule and notify staff
  • Consider assigning staff at higher risk (older adults and those with underlying medical conditions) to duties that allow them to work from home or minimise their contact with customers and other staff
  • Encourage staff to complete the Staff Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health questionnaire before each shift. Staff should not enter the workplace if they have COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Keep groups of workers rostered on the same shifts at a single worksite and ensure there is no overlap of workers during shift changes.
  • Record staff details that work for multiple workplaces

Prepare your workplace

  • Victorian businesses can now use a free QR code service to register the details of everyone who visits their workplace or venue.
  • Ensure workers and visitors stay 1.5 metres apart as much as possible.
  • Display signs to show patron limits at the entrance of enclosed areas where limits apply
  • Ensure staff work from home whenever possible.
  • Consider the use of barriers screens at customer interface points
  • Apply the 4-square-metre rule to configure shared work areas and publicly accessible spaces.
  • Ensure all workers and visitors entering worksites wear a face mask as per public health advice unless an exemption applies.
  • Provide adequate face coverings, hygiene and sanitation supplies and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to workers who don’t have their own.
  • Develop a business contingency plan to manage any outbreaks.
  • If your business is still operating on site and has 5 or more employees, you may be eligible to receive a free thermometer. 

Create physical distance

  • Move as much activity outside as possible, including meetings, tearooms, lunch breaks, the locker room and customer service.
  • Enhance airflow by opening windows and doors.
  • Where possible, put contactless delivery in place.

Reduce touch points and increase cleaning

  • Frequently and regularly clean and disinfect shared spaces, including high-touch communal items such as doorknobs and telephones

Communication with confidence

  • Regularly check the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Business Victoria and Cardinia Business websites for up-to-date information.
  • Maintain up-to-date contact information for all staff, suppliers, service providers and lenders.
  • Keep your customers informed if your business hours have changed. Let them know what core services you still offer; this can be through email, business website, social media, or mail.
  • Inform your staff about any changes you are making to your business

Financial assistance

Specific information for your sector

For further information on specific guidelines, considerations, and updates for the following sectors:

  • Accommodation and food services
  • Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Arts and recreation services
  • Health care and social assistance

Visit sector guidance on the Victorian Government website