Metro Melbourne AND Regional Victoria AS AT FEBRUARY 18, 2021 - Synod of Victoria ...
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Metro Melbourne AND Regional Victoria AS AT FEBRUARY 18, 2021.
As of 11.59pm on Wednesday or drink can be served as part of a religious
gathering or after a religious gathering.
February 17, most Stage It is recommended that single use items are
4 Covid restrictions were used to serve food or drink. It is recommended
eased across Victoria. that one person serves or distributes food or
drinks. For example, one person uses the urn
Not all restrictions have returned to Covid- for hot water for tea.
safe Summer. Please note in particular those ■ Singing: Singing or chanting can occur as part
denoted by of a religious ceremony, wedding or funeral.
■ Leaving home: No restriction on reasons to (See p4 for guidance).
leave home but stay safe. Care facilities and hospital visitors: One
Public gatherings: Up to 20 people can household may visit a patient once per day.
gather outdoors from any number of households Exceptions continue to apply (eg visiting
(infants under 12 months not counted in the palliative care patients). Symptomatic individuals
cap) (e.g. sore throat), close contacts and returned
Visitors to the home: Up to 5 visitors per international travellers excluded from visiting.
day (infants under 12 months not counted in Work: Workers may attend onsite as required.
the cap). Visitors may be from any number of On-site office work capped at no more than
households, together or separately. Front and 50 per cent of a workforce on-site (both public
back yards are considered part of the home. and private sectors). All workplaces with onsite
Face Masks: Must be carried at all times. workers require a COVIDSafe Plan.
Mandatory when inside (except in a residential ■ Community venues: No patron caps with a
home) and outdoors when cannot maintain density quotient of 1 per 2sqm, subject to use of
1.5m physical distancing (unless a lawful electronic record keeping (see p4). If not using
exemption applies). Strongly recommended electronic record keeping a density quotient of 1
to wear when visitors attend your home. Any per 4sqm applies.
person diagnosed or suspected of having ■ Creative arts facilities: No patron caps with a
COVID-19, or who is a close contact of density quotient of 1 per 2sqm, subject to use of
someone diagnosed with COVID-19, must wear electronic record keeping (see p4).
a face covering if leaving home/accommodation Seated entertainment venues (indoors
for a permitted reason, such as medical care. and outdoors): Open, up to 50 per cent of
Weddings and Funerals: No maximum fixed seated capacity with maximum patron
attendee caps indoors or outdoors, but: cap of 300 people. Over 300 patrons must
• A density quotient of 1 person per 2 sqm operate under the Public Events Framework.
applies when using electronic record keeping Density quotient of 1 per 2sqm in foyers, bars,
of attendees (see p4). bathrooms etc when using electronic record
•A density quotient of 1 person per 4 sqm keeping. In venues not using electronic record a
applies when if electronic record keeping is density quotient of 1 per 4 sqm applies. Venues
not used. with capacity of greater than 500 patrons must
•A cap of 5 people applies if the wedding or publish a COVIDSafe Plan online.
funeral is being held at a private residence. Indoor non-seated venues (such as
■ Religious gatherings and ceremonies: A galleries): Open, up to 50 per cent total
density quotient of 1 person per 2 sqm applies capacity with maximum patron cap of 300
if using electronic record keeping of attendees people. Density quotient of 1 per 2sqm when
(see p4). If not using electronic record keeping a using electronic record keeping. In venues
density quotient of 1 person per 4 sqm applies. not using electronic record a density quotient
Indoor and outdoor ceremonies can now occur of 1 per 4 sqm applies. Venues with capacity
at the same time. of greater than 500 patrons must publish a
■ Food or Drink at gatherings: No food, drink, COVIDSafe Plan online. Over 300 patrons must
crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment operate under the Public Events Framework.
is permitted to be shared by participants. Food Continued P2
1/12Metro Melbourne AND Regional Victoria AS AT FEBRUARY 18, 2021.
Accommodation: Bookings restricted to the What has NOT changed in Victoria?
private gathering limit. The person or household ■ Physical distancing (1.5m) and maximum
booking the accommodation can have up to 5 occupancy quotients must still be observed
visitors. ■ Good hand hygiene must continue to be
■ Interstate travel: Continued international followed
border controls. State border controls activated ■ Do not go to work if you are unwell
in case of outbreaks. ■ Cough or sneeze into a tissue or elbow.
■ Tourism spaces and groups: No patron cap ■ COVID safety plans are required for all
on tour groups. Masks must be worn on tour workplaces (including churches, halls etc)
transport. including:
■ Indoor physical recreation and community • Attendance Contact Lists (which must be kept
sport: No patron caps with a density quotient for 28 days or maintained electronically
of 1 per 4sqm for each space. Gym and (see p4)
exercise classes limited to 50 people (excluding • Cleaning protocols
anyone necessary for running the class). COVID • Physical distancing, maximum occupancy and
Marshals required when gyms are staffed. all other COVID signage
At times when gyms are unstaffed, a density ■ Sharing of food and drink: No food, drink,
quotient of 1 per 8 sqm applies. crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment
■ Outdoor physical recreation and may be shared
community sport: Up to a maximum of 100 As of 18/02/2021
patrons for outdoor fitness classes with a
density quotient of 1 per 2sqm. Record keeping
is required.Venues with capacity of greater than To help identify items which are new,
500 patrons must publish a COVIDSafe Plan or have been updated since the last FAQ,
online. simply look for:
■ Retail: (e.g. supermarkets, other retail) Density
quotient of 1 per 2sqm, with record keeping NEW
where practicable. UPDATE
For a full list of COVID-Safe Summer requirements, This week’s updates:
visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/ ■ GATHERINGS P3
coronavirus-covidsafe-summer. ■ WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS P3
As of 20/01/2021 ■ INHOME GATHERINGS P5
■ JOBKEEPER P10
Public gatherings, visitors to the home and
■
entertainment venues have caps lower than How will we know about
early February.
further updates?
■ F
ace Masks must be carried at all times Regularly check the latest government advice
outside the home, are mandatory to be available at: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/
worn indoors at all times and when 1.5m and at: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/
social distancing cannot be maintained
outside. The Synod Crisis Management Team monitors
changes on a regular basis. These FAQs will
If current case numbers remain low, Premier no longer be updated weekly and now only be
Andrews has stated that all of the Covid updated as required.
restrictions outlined above will remain Continued P3
unchanged until Friday February 26. Further
easing may be possible after that date, but are
yet to be announced.
2/12Metro Melbourne AND Regional Victoria AS AT FEBRUARY 18, 2021.
It is recommended that you occasionally check
the Synod website https://victas.uca.org.au/
NEW
all-you-need-to-know-answers-to-your-
UPDATE As of 18/02/2021
frequently-asked-questions/ for updated FAQs, GATHERINGS
by checking the “Date Modified” column.
What face-to-face gatherings are
Should there be any major changes to COVID permitted at church?
restrictions, these will be advised via separate Indoor and/or outdoor religious gatherings
email to all Church councils. are allowed with COVIDSafe plans including
cleaning and signage. Face Masks must be
If you have any queries, these may still be sent to worn in indoor public spaces apart from when
CrisisManagement@victas.uca.org.au. eating or drinking.
As of 10/12/2020
As of 04/02/2021
There are no limits on numbers who may attend,
however density limits do apply to ensure people
MULTI-LINGUAL RESOURCES are able to maintain a distance of at least 1.5m.
Where can I find the current A density quotient of 1 person per 2 sqm applies
government guidelines in if using electronic record keeping of attendees
(see p4). If not using electronic record keeping a
other languages? density quotient of 1 person per 4 sqm applies.
Victorian Multi-cultural Commission Coronavirus
(COVID-19): In-language advice and information Indoor and outdoor ceremonies can now
at https://www.multiculturalcommission.vic. occur at the same time. No food, drink, crockery,
gov.au/coronavirus-language-advice-and- utensils, vessels or other equipment is permitted
information to be shared by participants. Food or drink can
Ethnolink have information available in 51 be served as part of a religious gathering or
languages at: www.ethnolink.com.au/covid- after a religious gathering. It is recommended
19-coronavirus-translated-resources/ that single use items are used to serve food or
The Department of Home Affairs has extensive drink. It is recommended that one person serves
multi-lingual resources available at: https:// or distributes food or drinks. For example, one
covid19inlanguage.homeaffairs.gov.au/ person uses the urn for hot water for tea
The Victorian Multicultural Commission have As of 10/12/2020
release multi-lingual resources including:
Audio messages Weddings and Funerals: There is no maximum
■ https://cloud.think-hq.com.au/s/ attendee caps indoors or outdoors, but:
m9SX3ntGGqr7Sai ■ A density quotient of 1 person per 2 sqm
Posters (JPG and PDF) applies when using electronic record keeping
■ https://cloud.think-hq.com.au/s/ of attendees (see p4).
m9SX3ntGGqr7Sai ■ A density quotient of 1 person per 4 sqm
Social Media banners applies when if electronic record keeping is not
■ https://cloud.think-hq.com.au/s/ used.
m9SX3ntGGqr7Sai ■ A cap of 5 people applies if the wedding or
funeral is being held at a private residence.
As of 13/08/2020 As of 18/02/2021
3/12Metro Melbourne AND Regional Victoria AS AT FEBRUARY 18, 2021.
Singing or chanting can occur as part being collected and maintained electronically.
of a religious ceremony, wedding or If attendance details are being collected and
maintained electronically, then the rule is 2 square
funeral. meters per person.
Group singing is safest when the following
measures are applied: To calculate the maximum capacity of any building,
■ singing outside or in a well-ventilated room measure the floorspace (length x width) in metres,
(with windows open) then divide by either 2 (electronic record keeping)
■ physical distancing of at least 2 metres or 4 (non-electronic record keeping).
between each person while singing
■ short performances (of less than an hour) For example: if the inside of your church measures
■ wearing a mask when singing indoors 10m x 6m = 60 square metres. If you are not
■ singing softly. keeping attendance records electronically, divide
■ Performers (choirs etc.) should be 5 meters this by 4: 60 ÷ 4 = 15 people is it’s the maximum
from the audience where practical. capacity.
■ Fans, free-standing or ceiling, are not
recommended for use in enclosed indoor If you are keeping attendance recordselectronically,
spaces for singing. Divide the area by 2: 60 ÷ 2 = 30 people is the
maximum capacity.
As of 10/12/2020
Singing rehearsals are permitted.
If the rehearsal is held indoors, the indoor venue What is meant by electronic
should be well ventilated. This can be achieved by
making sure that windows are opened. If you are record keeping?
participating in a music or singing rehearsal it is The Victorian Government has introduced a QR
recommended: (Quick Response) Code service to allow for contact
■ That you keep at least two metres from other tracing information to be gathered by venues
people in the rehearsal. electronically. This allows for easy self-registration
■ No group size limits apply if the facility can by guests directly into a contact tracing app.
apply the two square metre rule if using
electronic record keeping. This means the QR codes are unique for each venue, but will look
limit on the number of people who can attend something like this:
is determined by the size of the venue. The
two square metre rule is the only limit on the
number of people who can attend.
■ Activities can be held indoors or outdoors. The
facility must apply the two square metre rule to
ensure people have enough room to maintain
1.5 metres distance between them.
■ Wearing a face mask is again mandatory in all
public indoor spaces as of February 4, 2021. How do QR codes work?
Masks must be worn in indoor public spaces 1. Register for a FREE QR code service from the
apart from when eating or drinking. government at https://www.coronavirus.vic.
As of 04/02/2021
gov.au/register-to-use-vic-gov-qr-code-
service.
Physical distancing 2. Once you have your QR Code, you will need
PHYSICAL DISTANCING requirements may mean to display this prominently, eg at all entry
that you cannot have the maximum number of doors. You will find a POSTER link in the email
attendees at a gathering. confirming your QR code registration.
The rule of 4 square metres per person must This unique poster is generated automatically with
be maintained if attendance records are not your QR code.
Continued P5
4/12Metro Melbourne AND Regional Victoria AS AT FEBRUARY 18, 2021.
3. Everyone entering the building can then scan If you do intend to maintain attendance records
this QR Code using the camera on their electronically, you will need to recalculate
smartphone or tablet device. This automatically maximum occupancy per space and replace any
opens the registration app, which knows that existing occupancy signage.
they are registering at your building. As of 10/12/2020
4. They will then be asked to enter their name,
phone number and residential postcode, and
have the option of providing details of other
NEW
individuals in their party.
UPDATE As of 18/02/2021
5. If you intend to keep records electronically, a
‘greeter’ will be required on every door by which
What face-to-face gatherings are
the public can enter. Their role is to ensure that permitted away from church?
everyone entering the building registers via Up to 5 people can visit a household per day
the QR code. For attendees who do not have (infants under 12 months not counted in the cap).
a smart phone or tablet device, the greeter Visitors may be from any number of households,
will need to register them on the greeter’s together or separately. Front and back yards are
smartphone or tablet. considered part of the home.
What is the advantage of using the Whilst this provides additional opportunities for
QR code system? pastoral care visits, these should be prearranged
Only venues which are using the above electronic to ensure that those being visited remain within the
method of gathering and keeping records with current daily limit on visitors.
a Victorian Government supplied QR code can
use the 2sqm per person density quotient. It Church Councils and congregation committees
also removes the need for maintaining hard-copy should discuss which meetings are appropriate
attendance registrations for 28 days. to be held via teleconference and/or video
conference and which meetings are more
All venues which are not using this method must appropriate if held face-to-face.
continue to apply the one person per 4sm density As of 18/02/2021
quotient.
As of 10/12/2020 Can we hold Pancake Day events?
If planning an event for Pancake Day, you
Physical distancing signs must observe the requirement that food may
be served, but not shared. No food, drink,
All church buildings must display signage showing
crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment
the maximum number of people who can be
is permitted to be shared by participants. Food
accommodated in any space.
or drink can be served. It is recommended that
single use items are used to serve food or drink.
Firstly, you will need to determine if you are going to
It is recommended that one person serves or
maintain attendance records electronically or not,
distributes pancakes, whilst another person(s)
as this will determine the maximum occupancy
serves or distributes toppings. There should be no
quotient (2 sqm per person if electronic, or 4 sqm
self-service of toppings where multiple people are
per person otherwise). Once you have calculated
handling utensils, crockery or equipment.
the maximum numbers for each space, you may
As of 20/01/2021
take advantage of the templates created to make
your signage.
These are available at: https://victas.uca.org.
au/all-you-need-to-know-answers-to-your-
frequently-asked-questions/
5/12Metro Melbourne AND Regional Victoria AS AT FEBRUARY 18, 2021.
Transporting People. Is it permitted density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies.
All physical distancing and hygiene requirements
to provide transport (“give a lift”) must be met.
to people?
Where possible, treat passengers in your car who Wearing a face mask is mandatory in any indoor
are not members of your household as if they were space and outdoors where 1.5m social distancing
travelling in a taxi: cannot be maintained. Face masks must be carried
■ Your passenger should sit in the back seat to at all times when outside the home.
maintain physical distancing As of 18/02/2021
■ Everyone in the car should wear a fitted face
mask unless they have a lawful exemption WORSHIP SERVICES – Church or Community
■ Increase ventilation by opening windows Halls can be used for Indoor religious gatherings
wherever possible. Avoid having air-conditioning with specific cleaning requirements and COVIDSafe
set to recirculate air. plans. Total attendance numbers remain
■ High touch surfaces in the vehicle should subject to density quotient of 2m2 per person
be cleaned and sanitised regularly (eg door if electronic records are being kept, or 4m2
handles, seat belts etc) per person if records are not being kept
As of 10/12/2020 electronically.
As of 31/12/2020
SAFE (DIGITAL) MINISTRY No food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or
What safety measures should be other equipment is permitted to be shared by
participants. Food or drink can be served as part
adopted for ministry within the
of a religious gathering or after a religious gathering.
digital space? It is recommended that single use items are used
The Culture of Safety Unit has prepared some to serve food or drink. It is recommended that one
guidelines for leaders and communities, offering person serves or distributes food or drinks. For
commentary and interpretation of how our example, one person uses the urn for hot water for
existing Child Safety resources and policies, and tea
the Uniting Church Code of Ethics, continue to As of 10/12/2020
shape our digital ministry practices. To view the
guidelines visit: www.victas.uca.org.au/safe- SUPPORT GROUPS – If hosting a support group,
digital-ministry a maximum number of 150 people can be present
As of 07/04/2020
in groups of no more than 20 people per space,
providing a minimum floorspace of 2m2 per person
(if maintaining electronic attendance records)
CHURCH/COMMUNITY HALLS or 4m2 per person (non-electronic records) is
Under what circumstances can available and all other physical distancing and
Community/Church Halls be used? hygiene requirements can be met.
Before using any church owned buildings, or
This means a maximum of 150 people in total within
allowing any other group to use church-owned
the building, with attendees spread out ingroups
buildings, please complete the Recovery Action
of up to 20 per group. Each group of people must
Plan Checklist at: https://victas.uca.org.au/
remain socially distant from any other group of
download/668/faq/8852/recovery-action-plan-
people at all times, with no physical interaction
checklist Community/Church Halls and similar
between groups.
buildings may be used. Patron number caps have As of 26/11/2020
been replaced with a density quotient of 1 person
Continued P7
per 2sqm, subject to use of electronic record
keeping. If not using electronic record keeping a
6/12Metro Melbourne AND Regional Victoria AS AT FEBRUARY 18, 2021.
EXERCISE GROUPS – COVID-SAFE PLANS – Required for some
■ Indoors: No patron caps with a density quotient gatherings Do we need to complete a Covid-
of 1 per 4sqm for each space. Gym and Safe plan as well as the UCA’s Covid Recovery
exercise classes limited to 50 people (excluding Action Checklist?
anyone necessary for running the class). If you have completed the Covid Recovery Action
■ Outdoors: Up to a maximum of 100 patrons for Checklist and are keeping this up-to-date, this
outdoor fitness classes with a density quotient can be your Covid-Safe Plan. There is no need to
of 1 per 2sqm. Record keeping is required. complete a separate plan. As of 12/11/2020
Venues with capacity of greater than 500 What activities can/cannot be staged in/on
patrons must publish a COVIDSafe Plan online. our property?
As of 10/12/2020 As more activities become permitted during
the easing of Covid restrictions, Synod’s Crisis
BUSINESSES – If an organisation or individual Management Team have prepared a quick
rents space, the government guidelines for the reference guide document for many of the non-
conduct of that particular category of business worship uses of church property.
would apply. These can be found at https:// www. https://victas.uca.org.au/download/668/
dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restrictionlevels-covid-19. faq/9475/congregations-groups-permitted-
If in doubt, seek advice from your presbytery or activity-guide
contact uca.legal@victas.uca.org.au. As of 12/11/2020
RENTED & HIRED FACILITIES – RENT RELIEF REQUESTS
Who is responsible for ensuring properties are What do we do if we are approached
COVID compliant?
by tenants for Covid-19 rent relief?
■ If you rent hire or licence out property to more
Rent relief is not automatic. Our Property Services
than one organisation or group on a casual
and Legal departments have compiled guidelines
or non-exclusive basis (eg support groups,
for handling rent relief requests, both commercial
community groups, classes) using our standard
and residential. If you wish to support a rent relief
Hire Agreement (Victoria) whether one-off or
application, there is a form which needs to be
recurring, the Responsibility for maintaining all
completed before any rent relief can be offered.
COVID-19 compliance, including cleaning to
Details available on the first info sheet at:
standard before and after every use, remains
www.victas.uca.org.au/resources/property/
with the congregation as the responsible body.
forms-and-resources/
However, you may pass on the reasonable As of 16/04/2020
additional cost of cleaning or other necessary
Covid-19 safety measures to the Hirer if you
notify them in advance of the additional cost. HOLY COMMUNION
■ If you rent out property to one organisation or What changes to worship services
group on an exclusive use basis (under a Lease
or Licence), the responsibility for maintaining all
are permissable?
COVID-19 compliance falls to the tenant. Assembly Standing Committee has approved
temporary pastoral measure guidelines for
■ If in doubt, seek advice from your presbytery
congregations and faith communities to enable
or contact uca.legal@victas.uca.org.au
the celebration of Holy Communion as part of
As of 17/09/2020
online worship. These guidelines have been
extended to June 2021 and can be found at:
https://www.assembly.uca.org.au/news/
item/3163-temporary-arrangements-for-holy-
communion
Continued P8
7/12Metro Melbourne AND Regional Victoria AS AT FEBRUARY 18, 2021.
For some thoughts on how to conduct Holy ■ A
ll staff and customers must wear facemasks
Communion in a COVID-safe manner read Rev Dr unless legally exempt.
Sally Douglas’ November 19 article at ■ U
CA Op Shops, as church workplaces, are
https://victas.uca.org.au/how-can-we-keep- required to complete sections A and B of the
holy-communion-covid-19-safe/ Recovery Action Plan Checklist to ensure that
As of 26/11/2020 they are Covid-complient and a copy sent to
elnura.dulakovic@victas.uca.org.au
CORONAVIRUS FUNERALS ■ G loves should be worn when handling cash
Are there any special requirements and any donated goods.
■ D onated goods should be received contactless
for holding the funeral of someone where possible. Donations should be stored in
who has died of Coronavirus? a location where workers won’t have contact
The Victorian and Tasmanian governments with them for a period of up to 72 hours. All
each have guidelines for cases of suspected or items should be cleaned in line with COVID
confirmed COVID-19. These mean that some cleaning practices as soon as practical.
cultural and ministry funeral practices need to ■ H ands should be washed regularly whilst, and
change, especially how families interact with the immediately after, handling any donated items.
body of a person who has (or may have) died with It is also recommended that WARNING signs
COVID-19. Ministers need to consider how their should be displayed to ensure all staff and
ministry practice may need to alter and should volunteers adhere to these precautions.
discuss with Church Councils ahead of time how ■ In line with social distancing requirements,
families can be supported in this situation. the number of persons in an Op Shop at
As of 17/04/2020 any one time should be limited, using a rule
MINISTERS IN HIGH RISK GROUPS of one person per 2sqm, including staff and
volunteers, and people should remain a
Ministry agents in high risk groups are encouraged
distance of 1.5m apart wherever possible. It
to have clear contingency arrangements in place in
may be helpful to mark this distance on the
case of potential situations where they may need
floor near service counters as a reminder to
to consider their involvement.
visitors.
High risk groups include people who are:
■ W here practical a record of customers should
■ aged over 70,
be kept, in addition to records of all staff and
■ over 65 with chronic health conditions,
volunteers who are on the premises.
■ immune-compromised, or
■ Indigenous people over 50 with chronic health
VOLUNTEERS: Even with a face mask, you
conditions
should keep at least 1.5 metres between yourself
As of 10/12/20200
and others at all times and practice good hygiene.
If you are in a high-risk group, you can volunteer,
however, consider minimising the number of
OP SHOPS different people you interact with. High-risk groups
include people aged 70 years and over, people
How do we keep our Op Shop aged 65 years and over with chronic medical
Covid-safe? conditions, people with compromised immune
Op Shops run by Uniting VicTas must follow systems and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
the current guidance issued by Uniting. people over the age of 50.
As of 10/12/2020
All UCA Op Shops should be regarded as any
other Retail Store, all of which remain subject to
restrictions:
8/12Metro Melbourne AND Regional Victoria AS AT FEBRUARY 18, 2021.
KINDERGARTEN SYNOD
We have a kindergarten operating What if we need to contact
from a church-owned building. Do someone from Synod Ministries
we need to close it? and Operations?
All Kindergartens and early Childhood Learning Most Synod staff continue to work remotely, in
Centres may open. All appropriate risk mitigation line with government directions. Those who are
measures should continue to be observed. required to work from the Synod offices have
As of 17/09/2020 now relocated to Wesley Place. All contact details
remain unchanged.
WORSHIP RESOURCES Please contact any staff member as normal, but
Where can I access worship please be aware that they may not have all of the
resources to help me keep answers at their fingertips quite as readily as usual.
As of 19/11/2020
connected?
Our worship resources page, which caters for
all people across our Synod, is updated each MARKETS
week. Available at: https://victas.uca.org.au/
resources/covid-19-worship-resources/ Can we hold garage sales
As of 06/04/2020 and/or markets?
Markets may operate, within same guidelines as
retail stores:
ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING LICENCES ■ The market operator is responsible for ensuring
What does it cost for a Zoom the two square metre rule is applied to indoor
meeting licence? spaces.
If you plan on using Zoom frequently and/ ■ Customers should keep 1.5 metres in between
or require full functionality, Synod Ministries them and other people who are not part of their
and Operations along with other Synods have household.
negotiated with Zoom to purchase a bulk deal. ■ Facemasks must be worn in indoor
markets at all times.
As such we are able to provide Zoom licences ■ maintain a contact tracing register (ie name
for a cost of just $7.93 per month. and contact number) for anyone attending the
Garage Sale or market if possible and
If your presbytery or congregation is interested, ■ we recommend that you have a process for
please contact: orderly flow of people (eg everyone goes in 1
Shweta.Paliwal@victas.uca.org.au direction, entrance and exit points and a total
number limit) to ensure the social distancing
You will need to provide: Number of licences requirements can still be safely met.
As of 10/12/2020
required and the details of the contact person
(including their email address)
As of 20/04/2020 CONGREGATION WEBSITE TRAINING
Will training sessions for new
congregation websites still go ahead?
It is currently anticipated that Training Sessions
will resume in early 2021, following the Synod
meeting. Further advice will be made available
through Synod eNews Update in the new year.
As of 26/11/2020
9/12Metro Melbourne AND Regional Victoria AS AT FEBRUARY 18, 2021.
COVID SAFE APP NEW
Should we encourage downloading UPDATE As of 18/02/2021
the Federal Government’s Covid-Safe
JOBKEEPER PAYMENTS
tracing app?
Synod Ministries and Operations would strongly
What is happening with
recommend that all people in ministry download the Jobkeeper payments?
the Covid-Safe tracing app and also encourage Last July, the Government announced an
all Uniting Church members to do so. As worship extension of the JobKeeper Payment until 28
services recommence, this is a simple measure to March 2021. The Synod was required to re-
help maintain the safety of our members as they assess eligibility for the JobKeeper extension using
start to gather again. actual turnover in the September quarter 2020
As of 14/05/2020 to demonstrate that it met the relevant decline in
turnover test to be eligible for JobKeeper for the
FIRST AID PRECAUTIONS period 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021
and again for the period of 4 January to 28 March
In the event of someone needing based on the December quarter.
first aid treatment, are there any
additional precautions required? We have again met the eligibility test based
Anyone administering first aid should use general on the December 2020 quarter, therefore
droplet and contact precautions, namely a face Jobkeeper payments will continue until 28
mask for the person they are treating which they March 2021.
should encourage the person to apply themselves,
a face mask and gloves for the first aider, and The JobKeeper Payment rate has been reduced
goggles for the first aider (if available). and paid at two rates:
■ From 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021,
In the event that a first aider has a reason to the payment rate was reduced to $1,200
suspect a person is infected with COVID-19, they per fortnight for all eligible people who were
should try to limit their contact with that person working for 20 hours or more a week on
as much as they can, meaning they should average, and $750 per fortnight for people who
avoid physical contact (e.g. checking pulses were working for less than 20 hours a week on
and performing physical assessments) unless average in the reference periods.
absolutely necessary, such as performing CPR or ■ From 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021, the
putting people in a recovery position if they are payment rate has been further reduced to
unconscious and/or struggling to breathe. $1,000 per fortnight for all eligible people who
As of 11/06/2020 were working for 20 hours or more a week on
average, and $650 per fortnight for people who
were working for less than 20 hours a week on
average in the reference periods.
Our people are not required to resubmit a new
nomination declaration and Congregations do not
need to provide financial information to support
the turnover tests. Eligible people will be notified
of their payment tier by a message on their pay
slip.
Continued P11
10/12Metro Melbourne AND Regional Victoria AS AT FEBRUARY 18, 2021.
Further information is available in the JobKeeper For Part-time/Casuals who receive a top up
Payment extension fact sheet. https://treasury. payment do LSL levies (portable LSL) apply?
gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-08/Fact_ Portable LSL Authority - levy for “Community
sheet-JobKeeper_Payment_extension_1.pdf Service Workers”: For those employees who are
receiving a top-up payment, the top-up portion is
Specific payroll queries can be directed to: not included in the calculation of the LSL levy.
Payroll-UCA@victas.uca.org.au
The situation is the same as what has been
Congregations should record the JobKeeper calculated in the past (the actual total hours
payments in their accounts as a receipt – “Grants worked and the totals ordinary pay received by
received Government”. The amount should the worker, not including the JobKeeper top-up
not be paid to ministers/staff as they have payment).
already been paid through the normal payroll As of 18/02/2020
processes.
The Synod will manage all reporting to the ATO, NEXT STEPS TO RECOVERY
including monthly declarations of revenue. This When can we expect further easing
is based on the Synod operations and not on
individual congregation results. There is no need
of restrictions?
to submit monthly revenue results. The Premier and Chief Health Officer have
indicated that further easing of restrictions may
Unfortunately efforts to qualify for the Cash Boost be possible as of Friday February 26. Until that
Payment have been unsuccessful at this stage. time, all current restriction levels remain subject to
change dependant on daily Covid case numbers
Congregations are reminded that the JobKeeper recorded.
As of 18/02/2020
Payment has been implemented by the
Government to help employers keep staff and
restart when the crisis is over.
Some questions:
Do casuals need to submit timesheets?
Where a casual is normally paid by submitting
timesheets, these need to continue to be
submitted, even if it’s for a small shift.
Do staff need to continue to work?
Yes. The JobKeeper payment processes allow an
employer to reasonably alter an employee’s duties,
location and days of work. We would advise
congregations to find all staff (including casuals)
some work tasks to do even if it’s from home.
You might need to be creative and/or ask the
staff what they may be able to contribute. Some
ideas shared in the zoom meeting – for Playgroup
workers contacting parents, providing activity
packs, zoom catch up with children, sing alongs
etc. Admin staff may also be used to keep in
contract with members, email/deliver newsletters,
filing etc. The work may not be what they normally
do.
11/12Metro Melbourne AND Regional Victoria AS AT FEBRUARY 18, 2021.
During this time it is important that we all take care of ourselves and of each other. Sometimes we may
need help to do this. Below are just some of the places you can turn to if you, or someone you know, may
need some assistance coping with COVID restrictions:
WELLBEING FINANCIAL
Lifeline ph 13 11 14 Centrelink
Online financial resources for existing customers:
Beyond Blue ph 1300 22 4636
www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/help-
Kids Helpline ph 1800 55 1800 emergency
1800RESPECT ph 1800 737 732
Centrelink Crisis Payments ph 132 850
(Domestic & Sexual Violence)
SafeSteps ph 1800 015 188 Uniting Vic Tas
(support & planning to escape domestic violence) https://www.unitingvictas.org.au/contact-us/
LGBTQIA ph 1800 184 527
(peer driven support) Aust Govt (early release of Superanuation):
www.australia.gov.au
Alcohol or Drug related issues
ph 1800 888 236
A great workbook to help build resilience during
isolation: https://thewellnesssociety.org/free-
coronavirus-anxiety-workbook/
YMCA – Virtual Y – online platform with loads
of fitness, nutrition, wellbeing, family and youth
content. https://virtualy.ymca.org.au
Vic Govt Food and personal care packages for
people in mandatory self-isolation, delivered to
your door.
ph 1800 675 398
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