COVID-19 Resources

Update 12 January 2022:
From 11:59pm 12 January 2022, a person who tests positive on a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is considered a probable case and must report their result to the Department of Health.

If a worker has tested positive for COVID-19 has worked in an indoor space during their infectious period, they must inform their workplace as soon as possible. The workplace must identify and inform other workers who are contacts (including sub-contractors, but not patrons/customers).

Testing requirements: workplace contacts
- If a person has symptoms, they must use a RAT, or a PCR test if they cannot access a rapid antigen test
- If they don't have symptoms, they are strongly recommended to use five rapid antigen tests (one per day)
- If they test positive on any of the RAT, they must report their result online or call 1800 675 398, isolate for seven days and follow the checklist.

The reporting of the positive RAT will ensure the person has access to the same primary healthcare response and information – including monitoring for worsening symptoms or financial assistance that a person with a positive PCR test would receive.

Workplaces must notify the Department of Health if there are 5 or more cases within a 7-day period via the COVID-19 outbreak notification form.

Further guidance on determining who is and who isn't a contact can be found on the Victorian Government Coronavirus website here.

When can an employee who has tested positive for COVID-19 return to work?
If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, they must self-isolate for 7 days after the date they got tested.
They can return to work after they have completed their 7 day self-isolation.
They do not need a negative test result before returning to the workplace as they are no longer deemed infectious.

When can an employee who is identified as a contact return to work?
There are no quarantine requirements and contacts may return to work if they are asymptomatic and RAT (or PCR if RAT not available) is negative.
Daily RAT for 5 days after contact notification is strongly recommended.
A workplace contact must have a RAT if they have symptoms (or PCR if RAT not available) and isolate unless a negative result is returned.
If a RAT is positive, contacts must notify the department and isolate for 7 days

Face coverings requirements and work from home if you can:
A person must carry a face covering at all times, which must be worn in indoor spaces unless you are eating or drinking or working alone.
Employers must take reasonable steps to ensure a worker when working at a work premise carries a face mask and wears a mask in accordance with the Orders.
Government has recommended that Victorians should where possible work from home, remembering that only fully vaccinated workers are permitted to work unless they are an excepted person.
Click here to view DHHS How to wear a face mask poster.

COVID-19 Guidelines for the Building and Construction Industry Victoria (Revision 17) 20 December 2021:
These guidelines are regularly revised to incorporate any changes the Minister for Health includes in the Pandemic Orders. It is important that industry reads these guidelines in conjunction with current pandemic orders. Click here to access guidelines.

COVID-19 vaccine Booster Doses:
Victoria Reduces Third Dose Interval. People in Victoria over the age of 18 are now eligible to get their third COVID-19 vaccine dose after three months. Click here to learn more.
Click here for further information from the Victorian Government on vaccines
Click here to learn about COVID-19 vaccine third dose.

Construction Vaccine Hub
Click here to learn about more.

Visit Construction sector guidance webpage for further information:
Click here for the latest information from the Victorian Government for the Construction Industry.

COVIDSafe Plan:
Click here for a copy of the COVIDSafe Plan for the building and construction industry.

COVIDSafe Settings:
How we live information for Victorians - click here.

Public Health Orders issued by Minister for Health:
Click here to view.

QR Codes:
Victorian worksites in the building and construction industry must register and display their Service Victoria QR Codes and ensure that all workers and visitors to any sites register via the Service Victoria QR Code app.
Work sites must have QR Code posters displayed in a prominent position at all entrance points.
More information on the QR code can be found here.

COVID-19 Government support and payments:
Funding and support payments may be available for those who are unable to work due to COVID-19.
Click here to see if you are eligible for the $450 COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment
Click here to see if you are eligible for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment – Victoria
Click here to see if you are eligible for the COVIDSafe Deep Cleaning Rebate
Click here to see if you are eligible for the SME Recovery Loan Scheme.

Infection control for the building and construction industry – Free Online workshop:
Based on the COVID-19 Guidelines for the Building and Construction Industry Victoria, Master Builders Victoria has developed a non-accredited, e-learning training program on infection control. This engaging two-hour online program is contextualised for those working in the building and construction industry.
Click here to learn more and to complete the online workshop.

Click here to view Ten ways to reduce your risk of coronavirus poster

Culturally and linguistically diverse posters:
Leadership organisations in Victoria’s building, development and construction industry have collaborated on COVIDSafe communication materials tailored to reach the industry’s culturally and linguistically diverse people.
Click here to access resources developed in 16 different languages.

Please view below our COVID-19 resources. Members who need further advice or assistance, please call us on (03) 9411 4555 or email [email protected].