THE Victorian government is scrapping the remaining work from home recommendations as spring breaks over the state.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced that the recommendations have now been lifted, leaving workers to return to offices and the Melbourne CBD to again reap the economic rewards of a fully active workforce.
The lift comes as the riskiest month of winter come to a close, with current public health recommendations having asked people to work from home when practical during peak period of COVID-19 transmission in July and August.
“With spring now here and case numbers and hospitalisations declining significantly, more people may want to get back into the office – and back out to the cafes, shops and bars in busy professional precincts across the state,” said Thomas.
The advice from the Department of Health pressure on the public health system and transmission risk is now reduced, with the colder months passed, fourth dose vaccinations available, antiviral options increased and active case numbers dropping off from recent peaks.
According to a press release from the state government, active case numbers were most recently reported at 15,024, which is down from the 23 July peak of 71,428.
While the for workers the impacts of WFH have been generally positive, recent analysis revealed that Australia’s six largest CBDs could miss out on $1.6 billion in retail spending each year.
With the lift employers and staff are still free to consider the most appropriate working arrangements for their individual workplaces and employees, with any employee with COVID-19 symptoms still advised to test and stay at home.
Additionally, businesses or organisations with on-site operations must have a COVIDSafe Plan in place that is regularly reviewed and kept up to date.
The Premier has also requested and received public health advice that the pandemic declaration will remain until at least the existing date of 12 October.
“Lifting the work from home recommendation is in line with current public health advice – we encourage employers and employees to have a conversation about what’s right for their individual needs,” concluded Thomas.
