Sarah Oliver
Melton and Moorabool, along with the rest of the state, has seen a rise in COVID cases largely due to the Omicron variant.
With some key industries under pressure again from the spike in cases, vaccine mandates loom for those workers.
Under new pandemic orders coming into place from 11.59pm Wednesday, workers in key sectors who are already required to be fully vaccinated must get their third dose before being permitted to work onsite.
This will apply to healthcare, aged care, disability, emergency services, correctional facility, quarantine accommodation and food distribution workers. Workplaces must sight and record proof of vaccination.
Workers eligible for a third dose on or before January 12 will have until February 12 to get their third dose. Workers not yet eligible for a third dose will be required to get it within three months and two weeks of the deadline to receive their second mandatory dose.
Retail supermarket staff are not included in the mandate.
Health Minister Martin Foley said: “This is a sensible extension of our existing vaccination requirements – ensuring our critical workers and the vulnerable community members they look after are protected.”
