MBV would like to advise members that the Victorian Government has implemented precautionary measures to protect Victoria from the new Omicron COVID-19 variant.

As reported in mainstream media, the new ‘variant of concern’ called Omicron has appeared in Australia (7 confirmed cases as of today) originating from some Southern African countries. Those cases have been quickly quarantined and access to Australia from those countries has been restricted. 

All travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, arriving from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Malawi into Victoria must enter hotel quarantine for 14 days. 

Additionally, all overseas travellers must complete a PCR test and isolate for 72 hours at nominated address.  

Travellers may exit isolation after 72 hours and a PCR test has come back negative. Between 5 and 7 days after arrival into Australia, travellers must complete a second PCR test. 

Travellers that have been to any of the eight African that have arrived into Victoria within the previous 14 days, must get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days.  

Travellers are also asked to call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 

These proactive measures are in line with additional national border security measures from the Commonwealth and are a precautionary response place until more is known about the new Omicron variant. 

 Urgent research and studies are underway to measure the level of infectiousness of this new strain and its susceptibility to the current COVID-19 vaccines. More information will be made available over the coming days. MBV will endeavour to keep our members updated.