12 February 2021
All of Victoria is going to be in a 5 day from midnight tonight until 12am Thursday, 18 February. We are very sad and disappointed to advise that our building and construction industry is included in this lockdown, despite proving how safe we can conduct ourselves on site for the past 12 months. The State Government has determined that building and construction is not an essential service for the purpose of this lockdown and all building sites must remain closed for the duration of this lockdown. I am so sorry that this is happening. This is determined to be a ‘short, sharp circuit breaker’ like the recent lockdowns in Brisbane and Perth due to the new UK strain of the virus.
This also means that colour rooms and displays homes will be shut down as well and unable to take any appointments. Offices will also be closed and people are directed to work from home where possible.
There are only 4 reasons to leave home during this lockdown (Stage 4):
• Shopping for necessary goods and services;
• Care and caregiving;
• To exercise for up to 2 hours per day; and/or
• For essential work or permitted education that cannot be done at home.
Victorians are required to wear stay within 5km of their homes and facemasks are mandatory both indoors and outdoors (even on jobsites after this lockdown for the time being) at all times.
The best thing we can all do is follow the directions so that we can get back on site to smash it out sooner rather than later.
I have no doubt that Master Builders Victoria and the HIA will be liaising with State Government – even now – advocating for us to get us back on site as soon as possible.
We know how tough this is and it is a lot to ask of Victorians after the year we’ve already experienced in 2020. Please take this time to have a well deserved break and down time. Enjoy some time with your family or if you live on your own, please be sure to get in touch regularly with those around you and family (and us!), because you are not alone.
Take care and please reach out to us if you have any queries, or if you need to chat. We care about you and your physical and mental health.
Take care and please reach out to us if you have any queries, or if you need to chat. We care about you and your physical and mental health. This is a really important time to remember to check in. If you are worried about your mental health or that of someone you know, please see resources below:
https://www.incolink.org.au/wellbeing-support-services/bluehats-suicide-prevention/
