HIA Member Alert – 5 August 2021

HIA Member Alert – 5 August 2021

Late this afternoon the Victorian Government announced a 7 day lockdown for the entire state of Victoria after eight new COVID-19 cases were reported.

The lockdown will commence from 8:00pm tonight, Thursday 5 August 2021 and run until at least 8:00pm Thursday 12 August 2021.

Similar restrictions will be in place as during Victoria’s most recent lockdowns in May and July 2021. This means that building work on most building sites can continue but other activities such as operating a display home or colour selection centre must cease. Internal and external renovation work at occupied homes is also prohibited during this lockdown.

Five reasons to leave home

The lockdown requires all Victorians (metropolitan and regional) to stay at home unless they meet one of the five reasons to leave home. These are:

• to carry out authorised work or permitted education activities,
• to shop for necessary goods and services,
• for caregiving or compassionate reasons,
• to get vaccinated as soon as you’re eligible to do so, and
• to exercise for a maximum of two hours per day.

Can building sites remain open?

Yes, subject to:

• wearing face masks indoors (unless an exception applies),
• wearing face masks outdoors (unless an exception applies),
• continuing to use the Service Victoria QR Code contact tracing system, and
• continuing to follow your COVIDSafe Plan.

Can renovations and maintenance work continue in occupied premises?

No. Renovation and maintenance work in occupied homes is not permitted during the 7 day lockdown. This means that builders cannot enter a person’s residence to carry out internal building work where the home is occupied.

Members should ensure that any incomplete work is secure and safe as soon as possible.

Urgent or essential repairs are permitted in an emergency situation.

During emergency visits and upon the client permitting entry to a home, members must ensure they comply with all COVIDSafe measures. This will include:

• wearing a facemask (unless an exception applies),
• maintaining contact details (using the Service Victoria QR Code contact tracing system when required), and
• social distancing.

Can renovations and maintenance work continue in unoccupied premises?

Yes. Subject to all COVIDSafe measures being in place. This will include:

• wearing a facemask (unless an exception applies),
• maintaining contact details (using the Service Victoria QR Code contact tracing system when required), and
• social distancing.

Can external building works on an occupied home continue?

No. External building works at an occupied home will not be permitted during this lockdown. HIA will advise members if this advice changes.

Can display homes and colour selection centres open?

No.  Display homes and colour selection centres will need to remain closed during the lockdown.

The authorised worker and provider list (see Premier’s media statement) allows only essential retail facilities to remain open during this period.

Can site inspections continue?

Site inspections that are considered critical may continue during the lockdown.  This may include site inspections by building professionals such as engineers, building surveyors, architects and building consultants.

Client site inspections will not be permitted during the 7 day lockdown. This is particularly due to the 5km rule and because it is not one of the five reasons to leave home.

HIA will continue to keep members informed if this advice changes.

Can I attend a home to estimate and quote a building project?

No. During the 7 day lockdown, estimating and quoting work in a home that is occupied must cease.

Contract signing

Contract signing at a person’s home is not permitted during this lockdown. Businesses may continue to sign contracts electronically or by mailing the contract to the client.

What about office-based workers?

Offices must remain closed unless:

• a worker is on the authorised worker list or works for an authorised provider; and
• it is not reasonable for the worker to carry out their work from home.

A worker must work from home where they are able to do so.

Limit on travel from your home – 5km radius

The 5km rule is reinstated for non-work purposes. If you are required to leave home for work the 5km radius will not apply for this work travel. This means that members working on building sites will be allowed to travel outside the 5km radius to attend a building site.

If you are not an authorised worker or on the authorised provider list, you must remain within 5 kilometres of your home.

What are my ongoing obligations?

Members should continue to:

• regularly review the DHHS list of exposure sites and follow the directions on that site if applicable,
• continue to wear facemasks indoors and outdoors (unless an exception applies), and
• continue to use the Service Victoria App.

HIA’s Melbourne Office

HIA’s Melbourne office will be closed during this lockdown period. Our staff will however be available to assist members by phone 03 9280 8200 or email vic_enquiry@hia.com.au.

HIA will provide further advice to members on any changes to the lockdown as the Government makes relevant announcements.

For further information please call us on 1300 650 620 Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, or email us at vic_enquiry@hia.com.au