Coronavirus (COVID-19) information
Australia and the world are facing a health crisis unprecedented in recent decades.
Please keep following the expert medical advice to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our community from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the second step restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne
- only leave home for 4 reasons: school or permitted work (if these cannot be done from home), care or caregiving, to purchase essentials, exercise and recreation
- stay within 5km of your home except for permitted reasons such as work or education if these cannot be done at home
- public gatherings: up to 5 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet outdoors for social interaction (infants under 12 months not counted)
- childcare is open, standalone (sessional) kindergarten programs open from 5 October
- primary school students, students in Years 10 – 12 undertaking VCE/VCAL, and special schools return in Term 4
- outdoor exercise with a personal trainer is allowed
- restaurants and cafes are open for takeaway and delivery only
The coronavirus crisis is also an economic emergency, and all of us are being affected in different ways. Sources of financial assistance and support are listed below.
Support payments are available
Need to get tested but worried about missing work? Support payments are available to help you stay safe, and stay home.
Please get tested if you have any of these symptoms - fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, chills or sweats, shortness of breath, loss of sense of smell or taste.
Then go straight home and stay home until you get your results.
Stay at home
The best way to stay safe is to stay at home when you can. Only go to work if you are in a permitted industry.
Wear a face mask
Everyone has to wear a face covering whenever they leave home (unless a lawful exception applies).
Cover your coughs
When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth. Or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or bent elbow.
Wash your hands
Wash your hands often with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. Or hand sanitiser (over 60 per cent alcohol).
Don't touch your face
Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth – or your face covering if you’re wearing one.
Keep your distance
Stay 1.5 metres away from people you don't live with. Don’t shake hands, hug or kiss as a greeting.
Assistance and support
Australian Government financial assistance for individuals and households
Australian Government assistance for businesses
Victorian Government assistance for businesses 13 2215
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment 1800 2266
Coronavirus Test Isolation Payment 1800 675 398
Working for Victoria opportunities for employees impacted by the pandemic
Residential tenants and landlords
Advice for renters 1800 068 860
Department of Social Services coronavirus support
Find local emergency relief organisations
Emergency food relief packages for people in mandatory self-isolation 1800 675 398
Assistance for City of Casey residents and businesses (03) 9705 5200
Assistance for Greater Dandenong residents and businesses (03) 8571 1000
Information and advice
If you suspect you may have coronavirus (COVID-19), contact your GP, or call the hotline 1800 675 398
Getting tested for coronavirus (COVID-19)
Victorian Department of Health
Australian Department of Health World Health Organization Victorian Department of Health translated information SBS Information in 64 languages Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080(For translating or interpreting 131 450) Older Persons Advocacy Network 1800 237 981
Report a breach of COVID-19 restrictions
Mental health and wellbeing
Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service 1800 512 348
Mental health and COVID-19Partners in Wellbeing (free counselling) 1300 375 330
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
Suicide Line 1300 651 251
Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
headspace (youth) 1800 367 968
ReachOut (for young people and parents)
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
safe steps (family violence) 1800 015 188
SANE Australia 1800 187 263
Switchboard (LGBTIQA+) 1800 184 527
Victoria Together online activities and experiences
more health resources