Coronavirus (COVID-19) update – Monday 20 July 2020
- Face masks mandatory at the Melbourne Market
- Penalties will apply for non-compliance
Face masks mandatory
In line with the latest restrictions released from the Victorian Government, the wearing of face masks will be mandatory at all times when on-site at the Melbourne Market from 11.59 pm, Wednesday 22 July.
All persons entering the Market must be wearing a face covering or mask at Gate 1 entry when having their temperature screening done, and must keep the mask on for the duration of their time at the Melbourne Market.
You can read details regarding the most up-to-date restrictions from the Victorian Government, as they apply to your work inside the Market, and your daily life, by clicking here.
Penalties will apply for non-compliance
To help ensure the safety and business continuity of the Melbourne Market, the MMA will be imposing penalties for those deliberately not following social distancing rules, or for those not wearing face masks.
Under Operating Rule 12(b), A Person on Market Land must comply with the OH&S Plan and all relevant OH&S Requirements at all times; therefore any person found deliberately breaking social distancing rules, or, not wearing a face mask will be subject the following penalties:
1st offence – Warning that is recorded in a Market user’s file
2nd offence – 24-hour suspension from the Market*
3rd offence – 48-hour suspension from the Market*
4th offence – 72-hour suspension from the Market*
*Any suspension is effective from the next business day
Market Relations Officers will also issue penalties ‘after the fact’ for non-compliance with social distancing rules as part of their current review of CCTV footage.
In addition to penalties issued by the MMA, given the high profile nature of the Market and its crucial role in the supply chain, there is a high chance that Victoria Police and WorkSafe will undertake workplace inspections at the Melbourne Market. Victoria Police can issue on the spot fines for those not wearing face coverings under these new restrictions.
Your personal responsibility
It is the responsibility of businesses and individuals to ensure you supply your own face mask or face covering. The term ‘face mask’ includes both cloth masks and single-use face masks (commonly called surgical masks). You can purchase cloth masks, or surgical masks from retail outlets including chemists, hardware stores and other shops, or you can follow directions from the Victorian Government on how to make your own cloth mask.
Some Market businesses have already been requiring their staff to wear PPE, like gloves and face masks, prior to these new restrictions being announced, and we applaud these businesses for their proactive approach to employee and food safety.
Remember, face masks are another effective tool in reducing the risk of spreading the virus; however, keeping 1.5 metres between yourself and others and washing your hands are still the best defences against coronavirus.
Questions
A summary of previous COVID-19 updates and operational changes are kept on our website, click here to access.
If you have any further questions, you can call the 24-hour security number, 0408 334 555. |
