Coronavirus: Stage 4 Restrictions FAQs

14 August 2020

For member convenience, the Chamber has compiled a list of Stage 4 Restriction frequently asked questions.

1. Can I finish off vehicles already in my workshop, regardless of whether jobs are ‘essential and critical’?
   No. Only work that you determine to be ‘essential and critical’ vehicle repair and maintenance can be undertaken during Stage 4 lockdown. In this case, your options are to keep the vehicle on-premises and resume job/s once restrictions ease, invite the customer to collect their vehicle or return the vehicle to the customer via contactless delivery. Please discuss options with customer.
    
2. Can my administrative assistant ​work on-site if they cannot work from home?
   Yes, as long as the work on vehicles on-site (and the administrative work to be performed) are deemed ‘essential and critical’. This is up to you to decide, based on professional experience and on a job-by-job basis. Please note, anyone working on-site must be issued a Permitted Worker Permit and the business will need to have a COVID Safe Plan in place. 
    
3. I am a Licenced Vehicle Tester (LVT), can I perform a roadworthy inspection and proceed with necessary repairs relating to the inspection?
   Yes, VicRoads has sent out a notice to all LVTs confirming roadworthy inspections and repairs (relating to the inspection) are permitted, as you are deemed to be an ancillary service to VicRoads. The work is permitted on anyone's vehicle requiring a Certificate of Roadworthiness. You will need to submit your COVID Safe plan to VicRoads. For further clarification, keep an eye out for future VicRoads Bulletins.
    
4. Can VACC provide any more clarification/recommendations/examples on what work is ‘essential and critical’?
   At this point, the State Government has not defined what 'essential and critical' means and is unlikely to do so. Therefore, ultimately members will need to use their professional experience to assess whether a job is 'essential and critical' during Stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne. To provide the best interpretation of government rules possible, help members do their work and limit any potential penalties, VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym has released a statement. If in doubt, contact VACC.
    
5. Can I (a regional member) deliver goods myself to a trade customer in the Stage 4 area?
   Yes, as long as the parts being delivered are related to ‘essential and critical’ work, as deemed by the trade customer. Please note, if delivering goods, you must carry a Permitted Worker Permit at all times.
    
6. Can I deliver/pick up a part to a trade supplier?
   Yes, as long as the parts being delivered are related to ‘essential and critical’ work, as deemed by the trade supplier. If delivering goods, you must carry a Permitted Worker Permit at all times.
    
7. Can I work as a sole operator in the workshop, if I close the door to the public? E.g. work on long term restorations.
   No, unless you determine the work on vehicle/s to be ‘essential and critical’ (based on your professional experience). If not, you will need to pause work. In this case, your options are to keep the vehicle on-premises and resume job/s once restrictions ease, invite the customer to collect their vehicle or return the vehicle to the customer via contactless delivery. Please discuss options with customer. Remember, as a sole trader you are deemed both employer and employee, therefore if working on-site you must issue yourself a Permitted Worker Permit and the business will need to have a COVID Safe Plan in place. 
    
8. Can I lend out my courtesy car?
   Yes. Ensure you adhere to government safety guidelines, including sanitising the vehicle. VACC also recommends offering contactless vehicle delivery/pick-up.
    
9. Can I pick up a customer’s car within a 5km radius?
   Yes. VACC recommends members engage the services of their preferred vehicle transport company, such as a towing service. However, if picking up a customer’s vehicle, the member-business employee must carry a Permitted Worker Permit with them at all times.
    
10. Can I pick up a customer’s car from more than 5km away?
    Yes, if the customer has no other workshop option within a 5km radius of their residence. VACC recommends members engage the services of their preferred vehicle transport company, such as a towing service. However, if picking up a customer’s vehicle, the member-business employee must carry a Permitted Worker Permit with them at all times.
     
11. Can I work past 8:00pm?
    Yes, as long as you hold a Permitted Worker Permit that clearly indicates your working hours (extending beyond 8:00pm).
     
12. Can customers come into my building to drop off keys and pay?
    Yes, subject to their adherence to your COVID Safe Plan. However, the customer would not be able to travel to your building if it is located outside a 5km radius of their residence unless it was not reasonably practicable to otherwise obtain the necessary goods or services. In addition, whenever possible, VACC recommends members offer contactless services. For example, over-the-phone payment options, vehicle pick-up/delivery service or a key drop box on-site. Customers should not be in your reception area or your workshop. 
     
13. I am a mobile repairer. Can I work at different sites (residential or industrial businesses) inside and outside the Melbourne metro area?
    Yes, but only if there is no other service provider that can perform the work. Additionally, you must only be conducting essential and critical repairs and maintenance. Ultimately, members will need to use their professional experience to assess whether a job is 'essential and critical' during Stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne. When working, you will need to hold a Permitted Worker Permit, have a COVID Safe Plan in place, and a copy in the vehicle. Services should be as contactless as possible, for example, offer over-the-phone payment options and a key drop box. Additionally, sanitise the inside of the vehicle before working on it, and again when work is complete. 
    
    Note: Members are advised to refer to the most recent government information and VACC Bulletins, as government COVID-19 restrictions and their related rules will continue to change as the COVID-19 situation develops. These FAQs reflect VACC's current interpretation of the Stage 4 lockdown provisions, however, members can also visit the DHHS website for further clarification.
    
    
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For more information
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): COVIDSafe Plan​
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): Permitted Worker Scheme – COVID-19
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): Business and industry: Stage 4 Restrictions
VACC: Mandatory Permitted Worker Permits
VACC: Revised vehicle service arrangements
VACC: Stage 4, total clarity does not exist for auto
VACC: Government Stage 4 advice
Victorian State Government: Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions Victoria