VICTORIAN UPDATE:

For more information, see the Circuit breaker action page.

For more info see the attached “Table of Restrictions” and “Restricted Activity Directions (Victoria) (no 7)” attached or see online here. 

If in doubt, please call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 and seek advice specific to your circumstances – guidance given by DHHS or Business Victoria trumps guidance from CCVT.

CIRCUIT BREAKER ACTION – 5 DAY LOCKDOWN IN VICTORIA

New changes have been introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people leaving their homes and moving around Victoria.

From 11:59pm on Friday 12 February until 11:59pm on Wednesday 17 February, new state-wide restrictions are in effect across the whole of Victoria.

This means that you cannot leave your home unless you are doing it for one of the following 4 reasons:

• Shopping once per day for necessary goods and services when required
• Caregiving and compassionate reasons
• Essential work or permitted education
• Exercise for two hours a day with household members or intimate partner, or one other person not from the household.

You must stay within 5km of your home. This limit does not apply to work or when giving or receiving care. 

You can leave your home in an emergency or if there is family violence.

Face masks will need to be worn indoors and outdoors whenever you leave your home.

5KM RADIUS:

Wondering how far you can go from your home? Check out this handy map tool. Enter your full address - including the street number - to see how far you are allowed to travel from your home under current restrictions in Victoria. 

Please note that the radius is NOT the same as checking the distance in google maps which measures the length of road travelled. You may get further than you think. 😊

SUMMARY OF HOW THE ROADMAP AFFECTS VICTORIAN AFFILIATES:  

	CURRENT AS OF 11:59PM ON FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021
Religious Gatherings	Places of worship are closed. In-person religious gatherings are not permitted but may be broadcast.
Broadcasting	Faith leaders broadcasting services and ceremonies at places of worship are permitted to attend the church property. The 5km limit does not apply.
Weddings	Weddings are not permitted unless for end-of-life or other exceptional reasons. Ceremonies must involve only 5 persons (including the 2 persons being married, celebrant, and 2 witnesses).
Funerals	Funerals (indoor and outdoor) must involve no more than 10 people (plus those necessary to conduct the funeral).
Public Gatherings	Public gatherings are not permitted.
Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups	Places of worship are closed. In-person religious gatherings are not permitted but may be broadcast. Private gatherings are not permitted.
Workers	If you can work from home, you must work from home. Some people who work for our Affiliates are able to go to their place of work e.g.: faith leaders broadcasting services and ceremonies at places of worship administrative services provided by an employer to enable its employees to work from home e.g. payroll and IT services organisations that provide urgent services necessary for the health and safety of any person, animal, or premises e.g. foodbanks  Please check the full Essential Workers and Essential Providers List to confirm if your organisation or workers meet the definition of “essential”. The 5km limit does not apply to work if you meet the criteria for essential.
Pastoral visitation in private home	Try to conduct pastoral visitation over the phone or go for a stroll with one other person not from your household. 5km limit applies. If you think your pastoral care may meet essential worker criteria please consult the COVID19 Hotline for confirmation prior.
Pastoral visitation in hospital/care facilities	There will be no capacity to visit private residential aged care or public or private hospitals. No visitors are permitted into health care settings, except for end-of-life reasons, as a support partner for birth, or a parent to accompany a child.
Essential Support Groups & Support Services (e.g. AA, food banks etc)	Essential public support services are permitted.
Face Masks	Face masks must now be worn everywhere (unless an exemption applies), except in private homes.
Members Meetings	Cannot be conducted in person.

 

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE:

STAY UP TO DATE:

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic) Ph: Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)  
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria Ph: 1800 136 089 (Mon-Fri)
• Business Victoria Ph: 13 22 15

VICTORIAN UPDATE:

For more info see the abridged version of the “Restricted Activity Directions (Victoria) (no 6)” attached or see full version online here.  Also check out the Religion and Ceremony page of www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au noting that it may still be in the process of being updated to reflect the most recent announcements. If in doubt, please call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 and seek advice specific to your circumstances – guidance given by DHHS or Business Victoria trumps guidance from CCVT.

 

Update on face masks:

From 11:59pm on 3 February 2021 new state-wide restrictions are in effect:

• Face masks are mandatory in public indoor spaces. If you have visitors in your home, it is strongly recommended that face masks are worn during the visit.  
• Face masks must be worn in indoor public spaces apart from when eating or drinking. If you are planning to leave your home – take a face mask.  
• In addition to indoor public spaces, face masks continue to be mandatory in the following locations:
  • on public transport
  • when riding in a ride share or taxi
  • on domestic flights to and from Victoria
  • at airports
  • in hospitals
  • when working in or visiting hospitals and care facilities.
• You must always carry a face mask with you when you leave home unless you have a lawful reason not to.
• It is strongly recommended you wear one whenever you cannot keep 1.5 metres distance from others.
• There are a number of lawful reasons to not wear a face mask.

Summary of HOW the roadmap affects Victorian affiliates:  
current as of 11:59pm on 3 February 2021

---

Religious Gatherings
All activities allowed – no restrictions on the type or purpose of the event/activity

Places of Worship can hold religious gatherings both indoors and outdoors, and at the same time.  Note: restrictions for religious gatherings can differ to restrictions for general social gatherings by the public e.g. there are no group limits outdoors, but you must be near the place of worship.

Indoors: The limit on the number of people who can attend a religious gathering, service, or ceremony is now determined by the size of the venue.  The venue must apply the 2sqm rule if using electronic record keeping to record attendees or the 4sqm rule if a manual record keeping procedure is used. The square metre rule doesn’t include babies under 12 months of age.

Outdoors: Places of worship may hold religious ceremonies outdoors. The 2sqm rule must be applied to ensure everyone has enough room to maintain 1.5 metres distance from each other. The square metre rule doesn’t include babies under 12 months of age.

Outdoor religious gatherings must be held in an outdoor space that is near to the place of worship hosting the service. This means: 

 - a service could be held on the grounds of a place of worship or in the car park. 

 - a public outdoor space, like a park, close to the place of worship. You may need a permit from your local municipal council.

Note: While attending a religious gathering there are steps you need to take to keep yourself and others safe including not sharing food, drink, crockery, or other utensils.  See the Food and Beverage section below for more information.

---

Weddings
(including receptions)

Weddings can be held indoors and/or outdoors. The limit on the number of people who can attend a wedding is now determined by the size of the venue. The venue must apply the 2sqm rule if using electronic record keeping, or the 4sqm rule if manual record keeping is used.

The square metre rule includes the couple, the celebrant, but not the photographer or other workers such as catering staff.

A wedding held in a private home will be limited to the members of the household and up to 15 visitors, the people required to conduct the ceremony are not included in this limit, as they are attending for the purposes of work.

---

Funerals
(including wakes)

Funerals can be held indoors and/or outdoors. The limit on the number of people who can attend a funeral is now determined by the size of the venue. The venue must apply the 2sqm rule if using electronic record keeping, or the 4sqm rule if manual record keeping is used.

A funeral held in a private home will be limited to the members of the household and up to 15 visitors, the people required to conduct the ceremony are not included in this limit, as they are attending for the purposes of work.

---

Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups

At church (indoor and/or outdoors): The limit on the number of people who can attend a prayer group or bible study group is now determined by the size of the venue. The venue must apply the 2sqm rule if using electronic record keeping, or the 4sqm rule if manual record keeping is used.

At a private residence: Religious gatherings and prayer groups held at a private home are subject to the private gathering limit. From 4 Feb 2021 the limit on the number of people gathering in a household is reduced from 30 to 15, meaning the household members plus 15 visitors (excluding children under 12 months of age). There is no limit on the number of households those people come from. Front and backyards are considered part of the home.

---

Workers

From 11:59pm on Wednesday 3 February 2021 new restrictions apply in Victoria:

 - Face masks are mandatory in public indoor spaces. If you leave home, take a face mask and wear it any time you are inside, apart from when you’re eating or drinking.

 - The 75 per cent ‘return to work’ cap in both public and private sectors scheduled for Monday 8 February are paused and the current cap of 50 per cent will remain in place.

Every Affiliate MUST have a COVIDSafe Plan in place. See more info at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covidsafe-workplaces.

---

Pastoral visitation in private home

Visitors to private homes: From 4 Feb 2021 the limit on the number of people gathering in a household is reduced from 30 to 15, meaning the household members plus 15 visitors (excluding children under 12 months of age). It is strongly recommended that you wear a face mask when someone visits you at your home.

---

Pastoral visitation in hospital/care facilities

Hospitals and Care Facilities: There are no longer specific limits under the Victorian Chief Health Officer’s directions for visitors to hospitals and Care Facilities. This means that the number of visits, the length of the visit and the purpose of the visit are limited by the visiting rules set by the facility itself. Rules may vary between locations to reflect different risks. Please seek case by case advice directly from the facility.

---

Public Gatherings

Outdoor public gatherings: Up to 100 people can gather outdoors from any number of households, excludes infants under 12 months. Remember to keep at least 1.5 metres distance between you and anyone you don’t live with.  It is strongly recommended that you wear a face mask where you can’t maintain 1.5 metres distance from others. You must carry a face mask with you when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to.

Visitors to private homes: From 4 Feb 2021 the limit on the number of people gathering in a household is reduced from 30 to 15, meaning the household members plus 15 visitors (excluding children under 12 months of age). It is strongly recommended that you wear a face mask when someone visits you at your home.

---

Essential Support Groups and Support Services
(e.g. AA, food banks etc)

Places of worship can continue to be open for essential public support services and support groups. Essential public support services include food banks, help for people experiencing homelessness or other essential activities. Density quotient rules do not apply. Keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others.

---

Singing

Singing or chanting can occur as part of a religious ceremony, wedding or funeral. Group singing is safest when the following measures are applied:

 - singing outside or in a well-ventilated room (with windows open)

 - physical distancing of at least 2 metres between each person while singing

 - short performances (of less than an hour)

 - wearing a mask when singing indoors

 - singing softly

These measures are recommended to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Fans, free standing or ceiling, are not recommended for use in enclosed indoor spaces for singing. Performers should be 5 metres from the audience where practical.

---

Record Keeping

Electronic record keeping: Affiliates are strongly encouraged to use QR codes to record the details of anyone who spends more than 15 minutes onsite. QR codes are a barcode that a person scans using their smart phone camera or an app. The QR code takes them to a website where they enter their details. For those who do not have smart phones, staff/volunteers can enter their details using the QR code or contact details can be manually recorded. The Vic Govt QR Code Service is free for all Victorian businesses, organisations, clubs and events. You don’t have the use the Government version – you can use any QR Code system you like. Using an electronic system means you can then have 1 person per 2 square metres as your density quotient instead of 1 per 4sqm.

Manual record keeping: A template Visitor and Patron Contacts Log and accompanying posters/signs are available for organisations using manual processes such as pen and paper. Pens used to record details should be wiped with an alcohol wipe between users. Records must be kept for 28 days before being securely destroyed. If you want to use a pen and paper system for registering attendees, you must use 1 person every 4 square meters as your density quotient.

---

COVIDSafe Plans

Every Affiliate must have a current COVIDSafe Plan. Affiliates that hire space in another organisation’s facility must adhere to the COVIDSafe Plan for both the host facility and their own events.

---

Baptisms

There are no longer any restrictions on the type/purpose of events a Church can run.  See Religious Gatherings section above for venue limits. CCVT recommend baptism be conducted by a member of the same household as keeping 1.5m distance is not required for members of the same household. It is recommended that you do not baptise multiple people in same enclosed water e.g. baptismal bath. Masks are useless and dangerous when wet – do not baptise while face is covered – remove beforehand and replace with new mask immediately after.

---

Hall Hire

Every hirer must adhere to density quotient and COVIDSafe Plan requirements.  Make sure the hirer and the landlord have up to date COVID Safe Plans that are consistent with each other.

---

Food & Beverage

Food and drink can be served during or after a religious gathering – you just cannot share the food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment.

It is recommended that single use items are used to serve food or drink, and that one person serves or distributes food or drinks e.g. one person makes the tea and coffees rather than everyone sharing the milk jug and urn.  

---

Communion

Communion can be served as part of a religious gathering. No food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment is permitted to be shared by participants. Minimise contact by having only designated people serve and collect back communion cups (no handing them all to the end of the row) or provide bins for collection of used cups.

---

Face Masks

From 11:59pm on 3 February 2021 new state-wide restrictions for face masks are in effect:

 - Face masks are mandatory in public indoor spaces. If you have visitors in your home, it is strongly recommended that face masks are worn during the visit.  

 - Face masks must be worn in indoor public spaces apart from when eating or drinking. If you are planning to leave your home – take a face mask.  

 - In addition to indoor public spaces, face masks continue to be mandatory in the following locations:

    -- on public transport

    -- when riding in a ride share or taxi

    -- on domestic flights to and from Victoria

    -- at airports

    -- in hospitals

    -- when working in or visiting hospitals and care facilities.

 - You must always carry a face mask with you when you leave home unless you have a lawful reason not to.

 - It is strongly recommended you wear one whenever you cannot keep 1.5 metres distance from others.

 - There are a number of lawful reasons to not wear a face mask.

Please ensure your COVIDSafe plan has been updated to reflect this change from mandatory to recommended wearing of masks.

---

Members Meetings

There are no longer any restrictions on the type/purpose of events a Church can run.  Those Affiliates who have not yet held their 2020 members meetings (AGM etc) should now do so as per their constitution/rules. For more information on changes to ACNC compliance due to COVID-19 please see the ACNC website.

---

On the lighter side:

STAY UP TO DATE:

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic) Ph: Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)  
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria Ph: 1800 136 089 (Mon-Fri)
• Business Victoria Ph: 13 22 15

ELECTRONIC RECORD KEEPING (QR CODES):

Both Tassie and Victorian State Governments have a free QR Code Service to assist venues with registering attendees. QR codes are a barcode that a patron scans using their smart phone camera or a specific app. The QR code takes the patron to a website where they enter their details. These records help contact tracers in the event a positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) is identified. 

VICTORIA

The Victorian Government QR Code Service is free for all Victorian businesses, organisations, clubs and events. You don’t have the use the Government version – you can use any QR Code system you like. Using an electronic system means you can then have 1 person per 2 square metres as your density quotient. If you want to use a pen and paper system for registering attendees, you must use 1 person every 4 square meters as your density quotient. 

TASMANIA

The Check In TAS app is a new Tasmanian Government system that is now available to help venues and patrons/visitors record and store contact details.

The app enables patrons/visitors to check-in to venues and have their data stored securely with the Tasmanian Department of Health in the event contact tracing is needed due to a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the community.  The app also supports venues operators and event organisers meet the current Public Health requirement to record contact details of individuals or one member of a group of patrons/visitors who spend more than 15 minutes on the premises.

The free app is now available for individuals to download via both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Businesses can register for the Check in TAS app via the online form at www.health.tas.gov.au/covid19/check_in_tas.

Although a range of methods are available for venues and patrons to record details of their visits to hospitality venues, the Check In TAS app will enable the Department of Health to store the contact details for 28 days before they are automatically destroyed.

Please note: For security purposes the QR code functionality was built within an app. QR codes on Check in TAS posters will only work when using the app, they will not work by opening your camera to scan.

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE: (REMEMBER WHEN WE USED TO SHAKE HANDS?)

VICTORIAN UPDATE:

For more info see the abridged version of the “Restricted Activity Directions (Victoria) (no 5)” attached or see full version online here.  Also check out the Religion and Ceremony page of www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au noting that it may still be in the process of being updated.

If in doubt, please call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 and seek advice specific to your circumstances – guidance given by DHHS or Business Victoria trumps guidance from CCVT.

UPDATE ON FACE MASKS

From 11.59pm on Sunday 17 January 2021, face masks are now only mandatory in the following locations:

• on public transport
• when riding in a ride share or taxi
• inside shopping centres, including the retail stores inside shopping centres, such as clothing stores
• inside indoor markets
• in large retail stores (over 2000 sqm), such as department stores, electronics stores, furniture stores, hardware stores or supermarkets
• on domestic flights to and from Victoria
• at airports
• in hospitals.

You must always carry a face mask with you when you leave home unless you have a lawful reason not to.

It is strongly recommended you wear one whenever you cannot keep 1.5 metres distance from others.

VICTORIAN PERMIT SYSTEM

All residents and travellers wishing to enter Victoria must now apply for a permit and the ‘traffic light’ permit system applies to travellers from anywhere across Australia.

Areas across Australia are to be designated as green, orange or red, according to their risk, and will be updated based on the latest health advice.  Permit applications can be made through the Service Victoria portal.

NSW border community residents are not required to obtain a green zone travel permit as long as they provide a valid form of ID with their address (like a driver licence) and they have not been in an orange or red zone in the past 14 days.  If your church or agency is located in NSW’s border bubble, please check the latest information for cross-border communities here.

SUMMARY OF HOW THE ROADMAP AFFECTS VICTORIAN AFFILIATES:  

	CURRENT AS OF 11.59PM ON 17 JANUARY 2021
Religious Gatherings   All activities allowed – no restrictions on the type or purpose of the event/activity	Indoors: The limit on the number of people who can attend a religious gathering, service, or ceremony is now determined by the size of the venue.  The venue must apply the 2sqm rule if using electronic record keeping, or the 4sqm rule if manual record keeping is used. The square metre rule doesn’t include babies under 12 months of age. Outdoors: Places of worship may hold religious ceremonies outdoors. The 2sqm rule must be applied to ensure everyone has enough room to maintain 1.5 metres distance from each other. The square metre rule doesn’t include babies under 12 months of age. Outdoor religious gatherings must be held in an outdoor space that is near to the place of worship hosting the service. This means:  - a service could be held on the grounds of a place of worship or in the car park.  - a public outdoor space, like a park, close to the place of worship. You may need a permit from your local municipal council. Note: While attending a religious gathering there are steps you need to take to keep yourself and others safe including not sharing food, drink or other items.
Weddings (including receptions)	Weddings can be held indoors and/or outdoors. The limit on the number of people who can attend a wedding is now determined by the size of the venue. The venue must apply the 2sqm rule if using electronic record keeping, or the 4sqm rule if manual record keeping is used. The square metre rule includes the couple, the celebrant, but not the photographer or other workers such as catering staff. A wedding held in a private residence will be limited to the members of the household and up to 15 visitors, the people required to conduct the ceremony are not included in this limit, as they are attending for the purposes of work.
Funerals (including wakes)	Funerals can be held indoors and/or outdoors. The limit on the number of people who can attend a funeral is now determined by the size of the venue. The venue must apply the 2sqm rule if using electronic record keeping, or the 4sqm rule if manual record keeping is used. A funeral held in a private residence will be limited to the members of the household and up to 30 visitors, the people required to conduct the ceremony are not included in this limit as they are attending for the purposes of work.
Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups	At church (indoor and/or outdoors): The limit on the number of people who can attend a prayer group or bible study group is now determined by the size of the venue. The venue must apply the 2sqm rule if using electronic record keeping, or the 4sqm rule if manual record keeping is used. At a private residence: Religious gatherings and prayer groups held at a private residence are subject to the private gathering limit. Currently, you can have up to 15 visitors to your home per day (excluding babies under 12 months old). There is no limit on the number of households those people come from. Front and backyards are considered part of the home. Faith leaders can visit homes to provide religious guidance, to perform rituals or for care and compassionate reasons.
Workers	From 18 January 2021 more office workers will be able to make a partial return to the office. In line with previous announcements, up to 50% of office workers who are not in the public service will be able to return to on-site work as well as up to 25% of public service workers. Offices with fewer than 40 staff can have 20 staff on-site subject to density quotients. Additionally, from Monday 18 January 2021 face masks will no longer be required to be worn in offices. You must always carry a face mask with you when you leave home unless you have a lawful reason not to.  It is strongly recommended you wear one whenever you cannot keep 1.5 metres distance from others. Every Affiliate MUST have a COVIDSafe Plan in place. See more info at: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covidsafe-workplaces.
Pastoral visitation in private home	Visitors to private homes: You can travel to see friends and family who live anywhere in Victoria. You can have up to 15 people visit you at home per day. There is no limit on the number of households those people come from. Infants under the age of 12 months are not included in the cap. It is strongly recommended that you wear a face mask when someone visits you at your home.
Pastoral visitation in hospital/care facilities	Hospitals and Care Facilities: There are no longer specific limits under the Victorian Chief Health Officer’s directions for visitors to hospitals and Care Facilities. This means that the number of visits, the length of the visit and the purpose of the visit are limited by the visiting rules set by the facility itself. Rules may vary between locations to reflect different risks. Please seek case by case advice directly from the facility.
Public Gatherings	Outdoor public gatherings: Up to 100 people can gather outdoors from any number of households, excludes infants under 12 months. Remember to keep at least 1.5 metres distance between you and anyone you don’t live with.  It is strongly recommended that you wear a face mask where you can’t maintain 1.5 metres distance from others. You must carry a face mask with you when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to. Visitors to private homes: You can travel to see friends and family who live anywhere in Victoria. You can have up to 15 people visit you at home per day. Infants under the age of 12 months are not included in the cap. It is recommended that you wear a face mask when someone visits you at your home.
Essential Support Groups and Support Services (e.g. AA, food banks etc)	Places of worship can continue to be open for essential public support services and support groups. Essential public support services include food banks, help for people experiencing homelessness or other essential activities. Density quotient rules do not apply. Keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
Singing	Singing or chanting can occur as part of a religious ceremony, wedding or funeral. Group singing is safest when the following measures are applied: singing outside or in a well-ventilated room (with windows open) physical distancing of at least 2 metres between each person while singing short performances (of less than an hour) wearing a mask when singing indoors singing softly These measures are recommended to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Fans, free standing or ceiling, are not recommended for use in enclosed indoor spaces for singing. Performers should be 5 metres from the audience where practical.
Record Keeping	Electronic record keeping: Affiliates are strongly encouraged to use QR codes to record the details of anyone who spends more than 15 minutes onsite. QR codes are a barcode that a patron scans using their smart phone camera. The QR code takes the patron to a website where they enter their details. For those who do not have smart phones, staff/volunteers can enter their details using the QR code or contact details can be manually recorded. The Vic Govt QR Code Service is free for all Victorian businesses, organisations, clubs and events. You don’t have the use the Government version – you can use any QR Code system you like. Using an electronic system means you can then have 1 person per 2 square metres as your density quotient instead of 1 per 4sqm. Manual record keeping: A template Visitor and Patron Contacts Log and accompanying posters/signs are available for organisations using manual processes such as pen and paper. Pens used to record details should be wiped with an alcohol wipe between users. Records must be kept for 28 days before being securely destroyed. If you want to use a pen and paper system for registering attendees, you must use 1 person every 4 square meters as your density quotient.
COVIDSafe Plans	Every Affiliate must have a current COVIDSafe Plan. Affiliates that hire space in another organisation’s facility must adhere to the COVIDSafe Plan for both the host facility and their own events.
Baptisms	There are no longer any restrictions on the type/purpose of events a Church can run.  See Religious Gatherings section above for venue limits. CCVT recommend baptism be conducted by a member of the same household as keeping 1.5m distance is not required for members of the same household. It is recommended that you do not baptise multiple people in same enclosed water e.g. baptismal bath. Masks are useless and dangerous when wet – do not baptise while face is covered – remove beforehand and replace with new mask immediately after.
Hall Hire	Every hirer must adhere to density quotient and COVIDSafe Plan requirements.
Food & Beverage	Food and drink can be served as part of a religious gathering or after a religious gathering. It is recommended that single use items are used to serve food or drink. It is recommended that one person serves or distributes food or drinks. For example, one person uses the urn for hot water for tea. No food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment is permitted to be shared by participants.
Communion	Communion can be served as part of a religious gathering. No food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment is permitted to be shared by participants. Minimise contact by having only designated people serve and collect back communion cups (no handing them all to the end of the row) or provide bins for collection of used cups.
Face Masks	Wearing a face mask is only mandatory on public transport, while in taxis or ride share vehicles, or when going to large retail venues, including shopping centres, supermarkets and department stores. It is strongly recommended that you wear a face mask at a religious gathering when you can’t maintain 1.5 metres distance from other people. Please ensure your COVIDSafe plan has been updated to reflect this change from mandatory to recommended wearing of masks.
Members Meetings	There are no longer any restrictions on the type/purpose of events a Church can run.  Those Affiliates who have not yet held their 2020 members meetings (AGM etc) should now do so as per their constitution/rules. For more information on changes to ACNC compliance due to COVID-19 please see the ACNC website.

STAY UP TO DATE

There is a reason we direct you to formal websites rather than news articles or media. Learn facts - not opinions:

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic) Ph: Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)  
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria Ph: 1800 136 089 (Mon-Fri)
• Business Victoria Ph: 13 22 15

You can find all previous Coronavirus and Churches of Christ emails and many of the resources on the COVID-19 page of the CCVT website.

GENERAL UPDATES

COVID NEWS FROM YORK STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST

It goes without saying that this year has been a new experience for those seasoned in ministry and those new to the call. I have had the privilege of leading a relatively new team at York Street over the past 18 months and during this time I have seen the effect of Covid on our church, our leaders, and the staff. So, when the team came back with “let’s do whatever we can” when the restrictions from the 2nd lockdown were starting to ease it was like a red flag to a bull! Let’s face it, what leader wouldn’t want that from their team? 

In the spirit of allowing people to worship their Lord and saviour (and with much prayer) we added what was unthinkable - 4 outdoor services!

Up until last Sunday (first Sunday with 150 allowed in the building) we were running 3 online services: a traditional service, a family service with kids’ online program, and a 6pm service (as well as a Friday night online youth program). The team then added 2 mid-week outdoor contemporary worship services for up to 50 people, and our Sunday afternoon was blessed with 2 traditional communion services (also outside).

To think that a regional church was running 7 services a week is beyond anything we could have imagined. I know some people will think “yeah but York Street is a big church” which is true. However, at one of our communion services only 3 people booked in. Did we run it? Of course we did, because God is worthy of praise and when it comes to family (brothers and sisters in Christ) why wouldn’t we get together and focus on the cross?! It’s not about the numbers, it’s about Him, and creating spaces for people to gather either online or face to face to worship Christ.

Having said that I don’t need to say how relieved we are to go back to 3 services with people in the church building while still live streaming.

This year God has opened doors we never expected. It’s been a hard year, but God has led us to new initiatives, and to see the tears in eyes of God’s children as they are lost in worship is a reminder of the depth of relationship we are all called to have with Christ, and a reminder of the power of corporate worship. 

We are now planning on a season to recover and looking to loving people back to health while also creating space for us as a leadership team to build back in our margins and invest into our families over the holiday season. 

Thanks Churches of Christ for faithfully serving in and through an unprecedented year. I believe that across our country, as God examines our hearts, he would say well done good and faithful servants!

Tim Walter, Snr Pastor
York Street Church of Christ

COVID NEWS FROM DONCASTER CHURCH OF CHRIST

When COVID-19 Lockdown in Melbourne caused the necessary cancellation of all onsite local Council Carols events and it was uncertain whether or not the Myer Music Bowl Carols would proceed, we decided to “jump into that space” with the view of claiming back Carols for the public witness of the Church.  

To that end, we partnered with a number of other Churches to deliver a free Virtual Twilight Carols and have been given an ongoing commitment from most of the artists to continue to be involved in this as an annual event (even when we can return to an onsite location).

Although the event premiered on 4^th Dec already, it will also screen again on Sunday 13th December 2020, primarily for targeting nursing homes and retirement villages, but also available for all.

To date, we have over 2,100 households registered from Australia, South Africa, England, Canada and the USA!

You can register here for free.

Our prayer is that the witness of this event will result in seeds sown for the glory of God and the spread of the Gospel, which is such Good News indeed in the midst of these dark and uncertain days… “to you a Child is born…" (with apologies to Isaiah)!

Jim Catford, Snr Pastor
Doncaster Church of Christ

ELECTRONIC RECORD KEEPING (QR CODE APPS):

Both Tassie and Victorian State Governments have a free QR Code Service to assist venues with registering attendees. These records help contact tracers in the event a positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) is identified.

Please note that using an electronic system may allow for more people to occupy your venue than if you are using a pen and paper system, but you are not obliged to use this format.

Vic: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/victorian-government-qr-code-service
Tas: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/covid19/check_in_tas

VICTORIAN UPDATE

Victoria moved to COVIDSafe Summer restrictions from 11:59pm on Sunday 6 December 2020. These restrictions are expected to be in place for summer and will be reviewed regularly to ensure they reflect current public health advice.

For more info:

• See the “COVIDSafe Summer – How we live in Victoria” pdf attached or see online here
• See the abridged version of the “Restricted Activity Directions (Victoria) (no 3)” attached or see full version online here.
• See the Religion and Ceremony page of www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au noting that it may still be in the process of being updated.

If in doubt, please call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 and seek advice specific to your circumstances – guidance given by DHHS or Business Victoria trumps guidance from CCVT.

SUMMARY OF HOW THE ROADMAP AFFECTS VICTORIAN AFFILIATES:  

	COVIDSAFE SUMMER: CURRENT AS OF 11.59PM ON 6 DECEMBER 2020
Religious Gatherings   e.g. worship service, communion service, or  ceremonies other than weddings and funerals	Religious gatherings can now be held indoors and/or outdoors at the same time. Indoors: The limit on the number of people who can attend a religious gathering, service, or ceremony is now determined by the size of the venue.  The venue must apply the 2sqm rule if using electronic record keeping, or the 4sqm rule if manual record keeping is used. Outdoors: Places of worship may hold religious ceremonies outdoors. The 2sqm rule must be applied to ensure everyone has enough room to maintain 1.5 metres distance from each other. Outdoor religious gatherings must be held in an outdoor space that is near to the place of worship hosting the service. This means:  - a service could be held on the grounds of a place of worship or in the car park.  - a public outdoor space, like a park, close to the place of worship. You may need a permit from your local council. You can find your local council using Know Your Council. Note: While attending a religious gathering there are steps you need to take to keep yourself and others safe including not sharing food, drink or other items.  The square metre rule doesn’t include babies under 12 months of age.
Broadcast Team	No specific restrictions – the broadcast team are now included in the overall cap.
Weddings (including receptions)	Weddings can be held indoors and/or outdoors. The limit on the number of people who can attend a wedding is now determined by the size of the venue. The venue must apply the 2sqm rule if using electronic record keeping, or the 4sqm rule if manual record keeping is used. The square metre rule includes the couple, the celebrant, and photographer, but not other workers such as catering staff. A wedding held in a private residence will be limited to the members of the household and up to 30 visitors, the people required to conduct the ceremony are not included in this limit, as they are attending for the purposes of work.
Funerals (including wakes)	Funerals can be held indoors and/or outdoors. The limit on the number of people who can attend a funeral is now determined by the size of the venue. The venue must apply the 2sqm rule if using electronic record keeping, or the 4sqm rule if manual record keeping is used. The square metre rule doesn’t include the people required to conduct the funeral if it is taking place in a private residence, otherwise they are included in the density limit. A funeral held in a private residence will be limited to the members of the household and up to 30 visitors, the people required to conduct the ceremony are not included in this limit as they are attending for the purposes of work.
Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups	At church (indoor and/or outdoors): The limit on the number of people who can attend a prayer group or bible study group is now determined by the size of the venue. The venue must apply the 2sqm ruleif using electronic record keeping, or the 4sqm rule if manual record keeping is used. At a private residence: Faith leaders can visit homes to provide religious guidance, to perform rituals or for care and compassionate reasons. Religious gatherings and prayer groups held at a private residence are subject to the private gathering limit. This means the household itself plus up to 30 visitors per day (excluding any babies under 12 months old).
Workers	Offices and professional services can open with COVIDSafe requirements: up to 25 per cent of workforce. Offices will be able to increase to 50 per cent from 11 January 2021 or – for workplaces with fewer than 40 staff, up to 20 staff onsite – subject to public health advice. Every Affiliate MUST have a COVIDSafe Plan in place. People leading religious gatherings, activities or ceremonies and volunteers should not work across multiple places of worship, where possible. A system to manage this must be implemented (e.g. a roster). See more info at: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covidsafe-workplaces.
Pastoral visitation in private home	Visitors to private homes: You can travel to see friends and family who live anywhere in Victoria. You can have up to 30 people visit you at home per day. Infants under the age of 12 months are not included in the cap. It is recommended that you wear a face mask when someone visits you at your home.
Pastoral visitation in care facilities	Hospitals and Care Facilities: No restrictions on purpose, number or time limits of visits. Symptomatic individuals (e.g. sore throat), close contacts and returned international travellers excluded from visiting. Please note that visitors may be limited by rules of the facility so please seek case by case advice directly from the facility.
Public Gatherings	Outdoor public gatherings: Up to 100 people can gather outdoors from any number of households, excludes infants under 12 months. Remember to keep at least 1.5 metres distance between you and anyone you don’t live with.  It is strongly recommended that you wear a face mask where you can’t maintain 1.5 metres distance from others. Face masks are no longer mandatory except on public transport, when using taxis or ride shares, and when indoors in shopping centres and in some retail settings. You must carry a face mask with you when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to. Visitors to private homes: You can travel to see friends and family who live anywhere in Victoria. You can have up to 30 people visit you at home per day. Infants under the age of 12 months are not included in the cap. It is recommended that you wear a face mask when someone visits you at your home.
Indoor Essential Support Groups and Support Services (e.g. AA, food banks etc)	Places of worship can continue to be open for essential public support services and support groups. Essential public support services include food banks, help for people experiencing homelessness or other essential activities. Keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
Playgroups	Religious playgroup at church: As per Religious Gatherings section above.
Op Shops	Retail is open. Density limits and COVIDSafe Plan apply.
Childcare	Childcare and kinder are open. Must have a COVIDSafe Plan.
Property Maintenance	General repairs and maintenance can be undertaken by commercial service providers and by volunteers. Must have a COVIDSafe Plan.
Singing	Singing is permitted. Group singing is safest when the following measures are applied: singing outside or in a well-ventilated room (with windows open) physical distancing of at least 2 metres between each person while singing short performances (of less than an hour) wearing a mask when singing indoors singing softly These measures are recommended to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Fans, free standing or ceiling, are not recommended for use in enclosed indoor spaces for singing. Performers should be 5 meters from the audience where practical.
Record Keeping	Electronic record keeping: You may apply the 2sqm rule if using electronic record keeping to record the details of anyone who spends more than 15 minutes onsite. Businesses are strongly encouraged to use QR codes to support contact tracing. For more information on this free service see Victorian Government QR Code Service. Manual record keeping: The 4sqm rule applies for manual means of record keeping. A Visitor and patron contacts log - Coronavirus (COVID-19) contact tracing register is available for businesses using manual processes such as pen and paper. Pens used to record details should be wiped with an alcohol wipe between users. Records must be kept for 28 days before being securely destroyed.
COVIDSafe Plan	Every Affiliate that is open must have a COVIDSafe Plan. Please update to account for the larger groups that are now permitted.
Baptisms	See Religious Gatherings section above for venue limits. Recommend baptism by a member of the same household as keeping 1.5m distance is not required for members of the same household. Do not baptise multiple people in same enclosed water e.g. bath, spa, or pool. Masks are useless and dangerous when wet – do not baptise while face is covered – remove beforehand and replace with new mask immediately after.
Hall Hire	Only allowed if hiring out for permitted activities. Err on the side of one group or activity onsite at the facility at a time. Every hirer must have a COVIDSafe Plan. Every hirer must adhere to density quotient or industry restrictions, whichever is lower. (Source: Business Victoria hotline)
Morning Tea / Catering / Sausage Sizzles	Food or drink can be served as part of a religious gathering or after a religious gathering.  No food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment is permitted to be shared by participants therefore, it is recommended that single use items are used to serve food or drink. Consider asking attendees to BYO or provide contactless serving if food is required. It is recommended that one person serves or distributes food or drinks e.g. one person uses the urn for hot water for tea.
Communion	Communion can be served as part of a religious gathering. No food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment is permitted to be shared by participants, minimise contact by having only designated people serve and collect back communion cups (no handing them all to the end of the row) or provide bins for collection of used cups.
Face Masks	You must carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to. This is in case you require your face mask, for example, if you aren’t able to keep 1.5 metres distance from other people. Wearing a face mask is only mandatory on public transport, while in taxis or ride share vehicles, or when going to large retail venues, including shopping centres, supermarkets and department stores. It is strongly recommended that you wear a face mask at a religious gathering when you can’t maintain 1.5 metres distance from other people. Please ensure your COVIDSafe plan has been updated to reflect this change from mandatory to recommended wearing of masks.
Christmas Carols in public spaces (e.g. local parks)	Christmas Carol services run as a public event in public parks or spaces may be subject to the new Public Event Framework.  Please check if you need to register your event.
AGM/SGM	A business meeting such as an AGM or SGM is still not an allowed reason for an in-person gathering for a Place of Worship.  It is recommended that these meetings be held online if possible.  It is okay to defer. If your constitution requires you to meet in-person (e.g. for voting), you may consider setting a tentative date for a future meeting (even if it has to be further postponed) or circulating financials, reports, and other communications to at least keep the members up to date with governance matters as an interim measure. For more information please see Consumer Affairs Victoria and ACNC websites. (Source: Business Victoria hotline and CCVT advice)

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE…

STAY UP TO DATE

There is a reason we direct you to formal websites rather than news articles or media. Learn facts - not opinions:

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic) Ph: Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)  
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria Ph: 1800 136 089 (Mon-Fri)
• Business Victoria Ph: 13 22 15

You can find all previous Coronavirus and Churches of Christ emails and many of the resources on the COVID-19 page of the CCVT website.

GENERAL UPDATE

(TLDR: Mostly Victorian update – no changes for Tassie Affiliates)

 

CORRECTION TO NOTICE RE PRAISE CENTRE

Last week we told you about the good work being done at Praise Centre.  I mistakenly called it Melbourne Praise Centre which is a different (but also awesome) church. Sorry team!

Praise Centre has been committed, persistent and consistent in their care for international tertiary students in Melbourne, particularly in the Caulfield area. During lockdown, the church used social media to make contact with many students in need of assistance with food, practical help, companionship and encouragement. This message from Federal Member Jason Wood underscores the tenacity these graduates have shown. With the encouragement of Praise Centre, it is a fitting congratulation from Canberra. Well done Praise Centre! 

COVID SAFE PLANS AND THE SIX PRINCIPLES OF COVIDSAFE WORKPLACES (VIC)

Every Victorian business (which includes all CCVT churches and agencies!) that is open must follow the six principles to ensure a COVIDSafe workplace.

• Ensure physical distancing 
• Wear a face mask
• Practice good hygiene
• Keep records and act quickly
• Avoid interactions in enclosed spaces
• Create workforce bubbles

It is mandatory for every Victorian business to have a COVIDSafe Plan which shows how you will put the principles into practice in your context.  A COVIDSafe Plan supports you in protecting your staff, attendees, and visitors. It also prepares you for a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace. Don’t be daunted, it’s actually a lot easier than it sounds and is mostly common sense things that are simple to implement and follow. Many of the things listed are things you are already doing.

Please note that you do not require a High Risk COVID Safe Plan – just use the normal one.

SIGNS, POSTERS & TEMPLATES 

Don’t reinvent the wheel. There are a stack of downloadable resources you can use around your property to guide and remind people about social distancing and hygiene.

FREE INFECTION CONTROL TRAINING

Free, short, accredited training is available to help staff identify and manage the ongoing risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections in the workplace. Free infection control training will help businesses prepare to safely reopen and ensure their customers and workforce are protected.

https://www.skills.vic.gov.au/victorianskillsgateway/Explore/Pages/infection-control-training.aspx

 

VICTORIAN UPDATE

RESTRICTIONS FROM 11.59PM ON SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2020:

(This is the one of the most enjoyable update I have written so far - I hope you also enjoy reading it. Well done everyone!)

Important notes: 

• There is no longer a time limit on the duration of religious gatherings and ceremonies;
• There is no longer a smaller separated group limit (i.e. 10 people or 20 people) within the overall facility cap;
• The density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm does still apply – if the density quotient for the indoor or outdoor space is lower than the overall cap you must apply the lower limit;
• No food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment is permitted to be shared by participants;
• Outdoor religious gatherings or ceremonies must still only be held proximate (e.g. adjacent) to the place of worship;
• Outdoor spaces used for religious gatherings or ceremonies must be suitable to ensure members of the public are reasonably capable of maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres from each other;
• You cannot run an indoor gathering/ceremony and an outdoor gathering/ceremony at the same time – it’s one at a time.

For more info: 

See the “Summary of Last Step Restrictions 22 Nov 2020” or see online here

See the abridged version of the “Restricted Activity Directions (Victoria)” or see full version online here.

See the Religion and Ceremony page of www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au noting that it may still be in the process of being updated.

If there is any doubt, please call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 and seek advice specific to your circumstances – guidance given by DHHS or Business Victoria trumps guidance from CCVT.

SUMMARY OF HOW THE ROADMAP AFFECTS MELBOURNE AFFILIATES:  

	LAST STEP: CURRENT AS OF 11.59PM ON  22 NOVEMBER 2020 UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED	COVID NORMAL: DATE TO BE ADVISED SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS
Religious Gatherings   e.g. worship service, communion service, or  ceremonies other than weddings and funerals	Indoors: Cap of 150 with a density quotient of 1 per 4sqm. Outdoors: Cap of 300 with a density quotient of 1 per 4sqm. Note: Only one onsite gathering or ceremony can be conducted at a particular time either indoors or outdoors. Note: Small separated group limits within the overall cap no longer apply) (Source: Restricted Activity Directions and vic.gov.au)	No restrictions but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Broadcast Team	No specific restrictions – the broadcast team are now included in the overall cap.	No restrictions.
Weddings (including receptions)	At church (indoors or outdoors): Cap of 150 people with density quotient of 1 per 4sqm indoors or outdoors. Persons necessary to conduct the wedding (such as celebrant or wait staff) excluded from this limit. At a private residence: As per private gathering limits. Persons necessary to conduct the wedding (such as celebrant or wait staff) excluded from this limit.	No restrictions but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Funerals (including wakes)	At church: Cap of 150 mourners with density quotient of 1 per 4sqm indoors or outdoors. Persons necessary to conduct the funeral (such as a faith leader) excluded from this limit. At a private residence: As per private gathering limits. Persons necessary to conduct the funeral (such as a faith leader) excluded from this limit. (Source: Restricted Activity Directions and vic.gov.au)	No restrictions but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups	Indoors at church: Cap of 150 with a density quotient of 1 per 4sqm. Outdoors at church: Cap of 300 with a density quotient of 1 per 4sqm. At a private residence: Religious gatherings and prayer groups held at a private residence are subject to the private gathering limit. This means the household itself plus up to 15 visitors per day (excluding any infants under 12 months old). - face masks recommended when physical distancing cannot be maintained.  - keeping a record of visitors is advised. (Source: Restricted Activity Directions and vic.gov.au)	No restrictions but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Workers	From 30 November, up to 25% of workers will be able to attend onsite.  Please update your COVID Safe Plan to account for who and how you will phase workers back in. Standard workplace requirements including density limits continue to apply Businesses with fewer than 40 staff can have 10 staff on-site subject to density quotients. People leading religious gatherings, activities or ceremonies and volunteers should not work across multiple places of worship, where possible. A system to manage this must be implemented (e.g. a roster). (Source: Restricted Activity Directions, Industry Restart Guidelines, and vic.gov.au)	Phased return to onsite work for those who have been working from home.
Pastoral visitation in private home	Up to 15 visitors, including dependants, per day can visit a household, either together or separately. Infants under 12 months are excluded from the visitor caps.  - face masks recommended when physical distancing cannot be maintained.  - keeping a record of visitors is advised. (Source: Restricted Activity Directions and vic.gov.au)	No restrictions but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Pastoral visitation in care facilities	Hospitals and Care Facilities: There are now no restrictions on purpose, number or time limits for visitors, but please note that visitors may be limited by rules of the facility so please seek case by case advice directly from the facility.	Seek case by case advice from facility.
Public Gatherings	Outdoor public gatherings: Up to 50 people can gather outdoors from any number of households, excludes infants under 12 months.  Visitors to private homes: You can travel to see friends and family who live anywhere in Victoria. You can have up to 15 people visit you at home per day. Infants under the age of 12 months are not included in the cap. It is recommended that you wear a face mask when someone visits you at your home.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Indoor Essential Support Groups  (e.g. AA)	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm. Face masks must be worn when indoors, unless you have a lawful exemption. Keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others. Face masks must be worn when outdoors when you cannot maintain 1.5 metres distance from others (unless they are people you live with).	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees (subject to privacy).
Indoor Essential Support Services  (e.g. food bank)	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm. Face masks must be worn when indoors, unless you have a lawful exemption. Keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others. Face masks must be worn when outdoors when you cannot maintain 1.5 metres distance from others (unless they are people you live with).	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Playgroups	Religious playgroup indoors at church: As per Religious Gatherings section above. Secular playgroup: In-person playgroups in Victoria can operate. They can be held indoors or outdoors. Up to 20 participants can attend indoors and 50 participants can attend outdoors. Children and their parent or carer are each considered one person towards the 20 person cap. Babies under 12 months of age are not included in the cap.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Op Shops	Retail is open. Density limits and COVIDSafe Plan apply.	No restrictions.
Childcare	Childcare and kinder are open. Must have a COVIDSafe Plan.	No restrictions.
Property Maintenance	General repairs and maintenance can be undertaken by commercial service providers and by volunteers. Must have a COVIDSafe Plan.	No restrictions.
Singing	Singing is permitted, but it is important to do it safely as singing has been shown to spread the virus in religious settings.  Indoors:  Small choirs or singers should only perform in well ventilated indoor settings, such as with windows open.  Fans are not recommended for enclosed indoor spaces for singing.  If there is singing indoors or the use of woodwind or brass instruments, there can only be a maximum of five people, at least 5 meters from audience and spaced 2 meters from each other. Congregation members can also sing but must wear face masks unless exempt. Outdoors: Singing may occur in outside gatherings – this is the recommended option as it is much safer because it is outdoors.  (Source: Industry Restart Guidelines and vic.gov.au)	To be advised.
Record Keeping	You must keep records of attendees at weddings, funerals, and ceremonies. Keep records of faith leaders, volunteers and people attending a gathering or ceremony for contact tracing, where a person attends a place of religion or worship for longer than 15 minutes.  This needs to be done in a way that preserves individual confidentiality (such as electronically).  Records can be kept electronically or in hard copy.  Pens used to record details should be wiped with an alcohol wipe between users. Records must be kept for 28 days before being securely destroyed.  Signs, poster, and templates (Source: Industry Restart Guidelines and vic.gov.au)	Required.
COVIDSafe Plan	Every Affiliate that is open must have a COVIDSafe Plan. Please update to account for the larger groups that are now permitted.	Required.
Baptisms	See Religious Gatherings section above but note that a Baptism is not specified under the definition so err on the side of not baptising indoors. Adhere to restrictions relative to the location. Recommend baptism by a member of the same household as 1.5m distance does not apply. Do not baptise multiple people in same enclosed water e.g. bath, spa, or pool.  Masks are useless and dangerous when wet (hello waterboarding!) – do not baptise while face is covered – remove beforehand and replace with new mask immediately after. (Source: Business Victoria hotline and CCVT advice)	No restrictions but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Hall Hire	Only allowed if hiring out for permitted activities. Err on the side of one group or activity onsite at the facility at a time. Every hirer must have a COVIDSafe Plan. Every hirer must adhere to density quotient or industry restrictions, whichever is lower. (Source: Business Victoria hotline)	No restrictions but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Morning Tea / Catering	No food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment is permitted to be shared by participants. Ask attendees to BYO or provide contactless serving if food is required. (Source: Restricted Activity Directions and CCVT advice)	To be advised
Communion	No food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment is permitted to be shared by participants. Consider asking people to BYO communion elements, use pre-filled cups, or use double cupping.  Minimise contact by having people pick up communion as they arrive or putting it at chairs beforehand, so it doesn’t have to be handed out.  Provide bins for collection of used cups.  (Source: Restricted Activity Directions and CCVT advice)	To be advised
Face Masks	You must carry a mask with you when you leave home. Face masks are no longer required when you are outdoors and where it is possible to stay more than 1.5 metres away from people. Face masks remain mandatory when indoors – for example, in shopping centres, at a hospital, at an indoor church services etc) or when you cannot social distance outside.   People attending religious gatherings or ceremonies must wear a face mask unless they have a lawful exemption.  People who are leading services or events in a place of worship, and those who assist them (for instance by reading, or leading prayer) do not need to wear a face mask, when doing that particular activity, but must wear face mask at all other times. Only one person may have their mask off at any time (the person leading that part of the service.) Faith leaders must wear masks when in proximity to participants, such as for distribution of consumables. Participants may take their mask off briefly for consumables, when at least 1.5 metres from another person. (Source: Industry Restart Guidelines and vic.gov.au)	To be advised
Sausage Sizzles	Not currently allowed for Places of Worship. Change to restrictions anticipated 6th Dec subject to trigger points. (Source: Business Victoria hotline and CCVT advice)	To be advised
Christmas Carols in public spaces  (e.g. local parks)	Christmas Carol services to be held in public parks are subject to the new Public Event Framework.  You will need to register your event. (Source: Business Victoria hotline and CCVT advice)	To be advised
AGM/SGM	A business meeting such as an AGM or SGM is still not an allowed reason for an in-person gathering for a Place of Worship.  It is recommended that these meetings be held online if possible.  It is okay to defer. If your constitution requires you to meet in-person (e.g. for voting), you may consider setting a tentative date for a future meeting (even if it has to be further postponed) or circulating financials, reports, and other communications to at least keep the members up to date with governance matters as an interim measure.  For more information please see Consumer Affairs Victoria and ACNC websites. (Source: Business Victoria hotline and CCVT advice)	To be advised

TASMANIAN UPDATE

NO CHANGES

No changes for Tassie Affiliates but we would love to know what you’re getting up to!  Send in a photo and a brief update about how your ministries are going to safeplaces@churchesofchrist.org.au so we can celebrate with you and pray for you!

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE…(2 FOR THE PRICE OF 1!)

STAY UP TO DATE

There is a reason we direct you to formal websites rather than news articles or media. Learn facts - not opinions: 

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic) Ph: Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria Ph: 1800 136 089 (Mon-Fri)
• Business Victoria Ph: 13 22 15

Please note, this email pertains only to Victorian Affiliates. No changes for Tasmania, so our southern brethren can feel free to delete this email unless they want some prayer points.  

To save you scrolling to the best bit, here’s a funny meme at the top to brighten your COVIDSafe day:

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE…

METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE - KEY UPDATES

Thank you for your patience in receiving this update. Once again we have had a wait for the DHHS website to catch up with announcements.  

Hopefully, this email will provide some clarity but as always, things do change, and a source link isn’t always available so if in doubt please call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 and seek advice regarding your specific circumstances.

RESTRICTIONS FROM 11.59PM ON TUESDAY 27 OCTOBER 2020:

From 11:59pm on 27 October 2020, metropolitan Melbourne moved to Third Step restrictions. Under the Third Step, Melbourne moved from "stay home" to "stay safe", with no more restrictions on the reasons to leave home. The 25km limit still applies.

From 8 November, and if we can continue driving case numbers down, the 25km limit will come off and Melbourne will be able to meet regional Victoria at the same level. That means the same eased restrictions that apply to regional Victoria will also apply to Melbourne. Fingers crossed. 

More details about these changes will be announced closer to the date.  

For more info see the attached documents “Victoria’s roadmap for reopening – How we live in Metropolitan Melbourne” and “Victoria’s roadmap for reopening – How we work in Metropolitan Melbourne” or view the full Roadmap to Recovery for Metro Melbourne and the Religion and Ceremony page. 

Also attached is an abridged version of the “Restricted Activity Directions (Melbourne)” from which certain information is sourced. You can see the full version here.

SUMMARY OF HOW THE ROADMAP AFFECTS MELBOURNE AFFILIATES:  

Here is a simple summary of how the Roadmap steps will affect common ministry activities run by Affiliates based in Metropolitan Melbourne. 

If there is any doubt, please call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 and seek advice specific to your circumstances – guidance given by DHHS or Business Victoria trumps guidance from CCVT.

	THIRD STEP: CURRENT AS OF 28 OCTOBER	LAST STEP: SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS	COVID NORMAL: SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS
Religious Gatherings   e.g. worship service, communion service, or  ceremonies other than weddings and funerals	Outdoors: Up to 20 people plus 1 faith leader. Must meet in an open space near place of worship.  Indoors: Up to 10 members of the public. Each group can have 1 faith leader in addition to the 10 person cap. Groups must maintain a distance of 10 metres apart or be in separate rooms, and fit in under density quotient of 1 per 4sqm.  Religious Gatherings: No food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment are permitted to be shared by participants.  You cannot conduct an outdoor and indoor gathering at the same time.  Must comply with signage, cleaning, and record keeping requirements. Limited to 90 minutes duration. (Source: Restricted Activity Directions Melbourne)	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.  Open with a COVIDSafe Plan.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Broadcast Team	Permitted. Limit of 5 people. 25km limit does not apply.  It has not yet been clarified if the 5 are included in the 10 or in addition to the 10 allowed at indoor gatherings, so err on the side of a combined max of 10 until further notice.	Permitted.	Permitted.
Weddings	Weddings can be held indoors or outdoors with up to ten people (including two witnesses) plus the couple, the celebrant and a photographer.  You cannot travel to or from regional Victoria to attend a wedding as a guest unless there is an exemption on compassionate grounds.	Allowed with 50 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Funerals	Funerals can be held indoors or outdoors with up to 20 people.  This limit doesn’t include babies under 12 months of age, or the people required to conduct the funeral.	Allowed with 50 people (not including infants under 12 months of age or people required to conduct the funeral), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups	Permitted: Indoors at church: Prayer Groups can be held with up to 10 people (including a faith leader) per facility. Outdoors at church: Religious gatherings can be held near a place of worship with up to 20 people plusa faith leader. Outdoors public place: Up to 10 people as per outdoor social gatherings. At private homes: Subject to the private gathering limit. At the current time this is the household itself plus up to two visitors, but both visitors must be from the one household.	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors.  Visitors to the home increase to 20 at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Workers	Work from home if you can. Workers only require permits if they are travelling between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria for work. This means church offices can now open, if staff and volunteers are unable to work from home.	Work from home if you can.	Phased return to onsite work for workers who have been working from home.
Pastoral visitation in private home	Permitted. You can have up to two people from the same household visit you at your home. You can only have one visit a day – this means once a day you can visit someone’s home or have them visit you at your home. Children and dependants are not included in this cap. The two people must be from the same household and visit together. You can only visit people within 25km of your home. In some situations the 25km limit may not apply, such as for care of an elderly person. Please ensure your pastoral care meets the definition.	Allowed. Visitors to the home increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Pastoral visitation in care facilities	Strict limits. Speak with family and facility before you visit to avoid a situation where the visitor limit is exceeded. End of Life care may be provided to a resident of a care facility or hospital.  For those in end of life or  palliative care, visitors should discuss visitation with the facility, as special considerations may apply.	Seek case by case advice from facility.	Seek case by case advice from facility.
Public Gatherings	Public gatherings of friends and family can meet outdoors in a public place in a group of up to 10 people within 25km of home.	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors. No time limit or radius limits.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Essential Support Groups  (e.g. AA)	Permitted. Cap is limited to the lesser of 1 person per 4sqm, or 10 people. (Source: Restricted Activity Directions Melbourne)	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees (subject to privacy).
Essential Support Services  (e.g. food bank)	Permitted. No cap on numbers is specified so apply density requirement of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, or number reasonably required to operate, whichever is less. (Source: Business Victoria hotline and CCVT advice)	Hospitality: indoor (group limit of 20 and seated service, cap 50 patrons), outdoor dining subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Playgroups	As a religious gathering: Indoors at church: Religious gatherings can be held with up to 10 people (includingfaith leader) per facility Outdoors at church: Religious gatherings can be held near a place of worship with up to 20 people plusa faith leader. As a secular activity: Up to 10 people as per outdoor social gatherings within 25km of home.	In homes, up to 20 people. At church, subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Op Shops	Open. Density limits, record keeping and COVIDSafe Plan also apply.	Open	Open
Childcare	Childcare and kinder now open with COVIDSafe Plan.	Open	Open
Property Maintenance	General repairs and maintenance can be undertaken by commercial cleaners, gardening services, commercial contractors, and by volunteers. Internal and external construction permitted.  Must have a COVIDSafe Plan.	Open	Open
Singing	DHHS in Victorian have not made a restriction on singing but recommend notdoing it as it does have increased risk. Eliminate/minimise singing where possible. Wear facemasks unless exempt. (Source: Business Victoria hotline and CCVT advice)
Record Keeping	You must request the first name and contact phone number of the people who have attended (except for essential support groups where confidentiality is required). Records must be kept for 28 days for the purposes of contact tracing.	Required	Required
COVIDSafe Plan	Every Affiliate that is open must have a COVIDSafe Plan.	Required	Required
Baptisms	See Religious Gatherings above but note that Baptism is not specified so err on the side of not baptising indoors.  Must adhere to restrictions relative to the location.  Recommend baptism by a member of the same household (1.5m does not apply). Do not baptise multiple people in same enclosed water e.g. bath, spa, or pool.  Masks are useless and dangerous when wet – do not baptise while face is covered – replace mask immediately. (Source: Business Victoria hotline and CCVT advice)
Hall Hire	Only allowed if hiring out for permitted activities. Err on the side of one group or activity onsite at the facility at a time. Must have a COVIDSafe Plan. Must adhere to density quotient or industry restrictions, whichever is lower. (Source: Business Victoria hotline)
Morning Tea	Eliminate if possible for now. Consider BYO, or contactless if food is absolutely required. No shared food, utensils, etc.  (Source: Business Victoria hotline and CCVT advice)
Communion	Consider BYO, pre-filled, double cupping, or contactless dispensing if holding communion. No shared food, utensils, etc.  (Source: CCVT advice)

REGIONAL VICTORIA - KEY UPDATES

Thank you for your patience in receiving this update. Once again we have had a wait for the DHHS website to catch up with announcements.  

For more info see the attached documents “Victoria’s roadmap for reopening – How we live in Regional Victoria” and “Victoria’s roadmap for reopening – How we work in Regional Victoria” or view the full Roadmap to Recovery for Regional Victoria and the Religion and Ceremony page.

Also attached is an abridged version of the “Restricted Activity Directions (Non-Melbourne)” that covers Regional Victoria. You can see the full version here.

SUMMARY OF HOW THE ROADMAP AFFECTS REGIONAL VICTORIAN AFFILIATES

Here is a simple summary of how the Roadmap steps will affect common ministry activities run by Affiliates based in Regional Victoria. 

If there is any doubt, please call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 and seek advice specific to your circumstances – guidance given by DHHS or Business Victoria trumps guidance from CCVT.

	THIRD STEP: CURRENT AS OF 28 OCTOBER	LAST STEP: SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS	COVID NORMAL: SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS
Religious Gatherings   e.g. worship service, communion service, or  ceremonies other than weddings and funerals	Outdoors: Religious gatherings for up to 50 people plus a faith leader in an open space near place of worship.  Indoors: Up to 20 members of the public in multiple groups of up to 10.  Each group can have 1 faith leader in addition to the cap.  Groups must maintain a distance of 10 metres apart or be in separate rooms, and fit under density quotient of 1 per 4sqm.  Note re all Gatherings:  No food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment are permitted to be shared by participants.  You cannot conduct an outdoor and indoor gathering at the same time.  Must comply with signage, cleaning, and record keeping requirements. Limited to 90 minutes duration. (Source: Stay Safe Directions Non-Melbourne #6)	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Broadcast Team	Permitted. Limit of 5 people.  It has not yet been clarified if the 5 are included in the 10 or in addition to the 10 allowed at indoor gatherings, so err on the side of a combined max of 10 until further notice.	Permitted.	Permitted.
Weddings	Weddings are limited to 10 people including the 2 witnesses.  The couple, celebrant, and photographer are not included in the cap.  You cannot travel to or from metro Melbourne to attend a wedding as a guest.	Allowed with 50 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Funerals	Funerals are limited to 20 people indoors, and 50 people outdoors, plus those required to conduct the funeral.  Babies under 12 months of age are not included in the limit.	Allowed with up to 50 people (infants under 1yo or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit). Max of 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups	Outdoors at church: up to 50 people plus a faith leader.  Indoors at church: up to 10 people per group to a max of 20 people per facility (plus 1 faith leader per group). See Religious Gatherings above. At home: Subject to the private gathering limit. At the current time this is the household itself plus up to 2 visitors.	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.    Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Workers	Work from home if you can. Workers only require permits if they are travelling between metro Melbourne and regional Victoria for work. Church offices can be open if staff/volunteers cannot work from home.	Work from home if you can. However, if you cannot do your work from home, you can go to work. Must have a COVIDSafe Plan.	Phased return to onsite work for workers who have been working from home.
Pastoral visitation in private home	At home: Up to 2 people can visit you separately at your home each day. You can only have 1 visitor at a time.  This replaces household bubbles. Outdoors: Up to 10 people outdoors in a public place. Pastoral care should be conducted outdoors if possible.	Allowed. Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Pastoral visitation in care facilities	Strict limits. Speak with family and facility before you visit to avoid a situation where the visitor limit is exceeded. End of Life care may be provided to a resident of a care facility or hospital.  For those in end of life or  palliative care, visitors should discuss visitation with the facility, as special considerations may apply.	Permitted but seek case by case advice from facility.	Permitted but seek case by case advice from facility.
Public Gatherings	Gatherings of friends and family outdoorsin a public space of up to 10 people from different households (babies under 12 months old are not included in this cap).	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Essential Support Groups  (e.g. AA)	Permitted. Cap is limited to the lesser of 1 person per 4sqm, or 20 people. (Source: Stay Safe Directions Non-Melbourne #6)	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees (subject to privacy).
Essential Support Services  (e.g. food bank)	Permitted. No cap on numbers is specified so limit to whichever is the lesser of the density requirement of 1 person per 4sqm, maximum of 10 people, or number reasonably required to operate.  (Source: Business Victoria hotline and CCVT advice)	Hospitality: indoor (group limit of 20 and seated service, cap 50 patrons), outdoor dining subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Playgroups	As a religious gathering:  See Religious Gatherings above. As a secular activity: Gatherings of friends and family outdoors in a public space of up to 10 people from different households (babies under 12 months old are not included in this cap).	In homes, up to 20 people. At church, subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Op Shops	Open. Comply with the 4sqm rule, signage and cleaning recommendations. Must have COVIDSafe Plan.	Open	Open
Childcare	Childcare and kinder now open with COVIDSafe Plan.	Open	Open
Property Maintenance	General repairs and maintenance can be undertaken by commercial cleaners, gardening services, commercial contractors, and by volunteers. Internal and external construction permitted.  Must have a COVIDSafe Plan.	Open	Open
Singing	DHHS in Victorian have not made a restriction on singing but recommend not doing it as it does have increased risk. Eliminate/minimise singing where possible.  Wear facemasks unless exempt. (Source: Business Victoria hotline and CCVT advice)
Record Keeping	You must request the first name and contact phone number of the people who have attended (except for essential support groups where confidentiality is required). Records must be kept for 28 days for the purposes of contact tracing.	Required	Required
COVIDSafe Plan	Every Affiliate that is open must have a COVIDSafe Plan.	Required	Required
Baptisms	See Religious Gatherings above but note that Baptism is not specified so err on the side of not baptising indoors.  Must adhere to restrictions relative to the location.  Recommend baptism by a member of the same household (1.5 m does not apply). Do not baptise multiple people in same enclosed water e.g. bath, spa, or pool.  Masks are useless and dangerous when wet – do not baptise while face is covered – replace mask immediately. (Source: Business Victoria hotline and CCVT advice)
Hall hire	Only allowed if hiring out for permitted activities. Err on the side of one group or activity onsite at the facility at a time unless otherwise allowed. Must have a COVIDSafe Plan. Must adhere to density quotient or industry restrictions, whichever is lower. (Source: Business Victoria hotline)
Morning tea	Eliminate if possible for now. Consider BYO, or contactless if food is absolutely required. No shared food, utensils, etc.  (Source: Business Victoria hotline and CCVT advice)
Communion	Consider BYO, pre-filled, double cupping, or contactless dispensing if holding communion. No shared food, utensils, etc.  (Source: CCVT advice)

ANOTHER LIGHTER SIDE…(YOUR REWARD FOR SCROLLING)

STAY UP TO DATE

There is a reason we direct you to formal websites rather than news articles or media. Learn facts - not opinions: 

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic) Ph: Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria Ph: 1800 136 089 (Mon-Fri)
• Business Victoria Ph: 13 22 15

You can find all previous Coronavirus and Churches of Christ emails and many of the resources on our website: www.churchesofchrist.org.au/home/coronavirus/coronavirus-updates. 

GENERAL UPDATE TO ALL CCVT AFFILIATES

UPDATE ON SAFE CHURCH AWARENESS WORKSHOPS & TRAINING OPTIONS DURING LOCKDOWN

For a 3 years now, CCVT Affiliates have been participating in the Safe Church Program of the National Council of Churches in Australia with great success. 

Just as our training workshops were getting off the ground for 2020, we were rudely interrupted by the global pandemic.  As a matter of stewardship of people’s time and energy, the decision was made to put in-person training of leaders and volunteers on hold temporarily during the first lockdown until we could meet together again.  Given the personal, family, and organisational pressure facing our churches and agencies, it was thought that this would be the better option, rather than investing in a long online version of the training that many did not have capacity to undertake.  As it turns out, the hiatus hasn’t been as temporary as we first thought, as Victoria and Tasmania experienced border closures and a second wave of lockdowns.

CCVT and other Safe Church Program training providers are looking at a variety of options for running training face to face and online moving forward. Details to come.

Throughout this time ministry has also continued in a new way - moving online, adapting to changing restrictions, and in many places it has created a sense of stronger connection within faith communities.  The need for basic safe places training still exists (and in fact is a requirement in most instances) but we have seen an upturn in the need for additional alternative training such eSafety training, infection control training, and governance training as well.

CCVT itself does not provide this training directly, but rather, we recommend a number of external training providers who are subject matter experts.  We encourage all leaders and volunteers at all Affiliates to consider what training is applicable to their current needs given the shape of ministry in this era.

Many of these online training options for safe places and COVID-19 related topics can be found on our website, but they change and new ones come online frequently so it’s also good to google and see what is out there that may be of use to your situation.

NCCA SAFE CHURCH PROGRAM - CHILD SAFETY FRAMEWORK RESOURCE HUB

The new NCCA Safe Church Program's Child Safety Framework Resource Hub contains not only a selection of the CCVT resources, but also a range from other denominations and movements that are helpful for safe ministry.  

They are arranged to assist in understanding the practices that sit under the 10 National Principles of Child Safe Organisations recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.  The National Principles have a broader scope that goes beyond child sexual abuse to cover other forms of potential harm to children and young people.  

For Victorian Affiliates who are also currently operating under the 7 Victorian Child Safe Standards, there is a lot of overlap between the 10 National Principles and the 7 Victorian Standards. The National Principles are not currently mandated under legislation, and the Commission for Children & Young People does not enforce compliance with them.  The Victorian Government is currently reviewing the Victorian Standards, including considering whether any adjustments should be made to better align with the National Principles. In the meantime, the Victorian Standards are still in operation and remain mandatory for organisations in accordance with the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005. The CCYP continues to enforce compliance with the Victorian Standards.  This means that organisations must continue to comply with the Victorian Standards, unless and until the Victorian Government changes the law.  Click here for more information.

CHILD WISE: 7 ORGANISATIONAL STRATEGIES TO WORK REMOTELY THROUGH A CHILD SAFE LENS

Check out this simple article from Child Wise on 7 Organisational Strategies to Work Remotely Through a Child Safe Lens. Many Affiliates will have already conducted some of the steps, but its good to check back in!  

Child Wise have a number of great resources on their website including some on training options that may be great options for ‘next level training’ for key leaders who have attended a Safe Church Awareness Workshop. 

CHILDREN’S WEEK: SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER TO SUNDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2020

Children’s Week is an annual event celebrated in Australia. A diverse range of events and activities are organised at National, State and Local levels. Children’s Week celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood.

During Children's Week, local councils, not-for-profit organisations, schools and early childhood services organise open days, displays, special events, virtual spaces and online-based activities. These focus the attention of the wider community on children, their rights and achievements. 

For more information about how your faith community can participate in Children’s Week visit the Children’s Week Council of Australia.

INFECTION PREVENTION CONTROL RESOURCES

Vic: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/infection-prevention-control-resources-covid-19
Tas: https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/resources

ADVICE ON TAKING YOUR AGM ONLINE

Many CCVT Affiliates are yet to hold their 2020 AGM.  For those looking to proceed with one online, the following article from Our Community and The Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) is a helpful resource covering the twin themes of good governance and good technology. 

Their free help sheet and web resources cover:

• AGM essentials and how to prepare for a successful meeting
• Choosing a tech platform
• Setting up your virtual AGM
• Notifying members
• Conducting a trial run and hosting the meeting
• Sharing documents and screens
• Voting
• Meeting security
• A case study from a first-time "Zoomer" organisation
• Extra online resources

Link: https://communitydirectors.com.au/help-sheets/how-to-take-your-agm-online?utm_source=ourcommunity.com.au&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=saveoursector&utm_content=sosedm15

Please note that online meetings may not be for everyone, and some Affiliates may prefer to wait until a reasonable version of an in-person meeting is viable for them.  This is a decision for the governing Board or Leadership Team, but clear communication with the faith community and members is advised. 

METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE - KEY UPDATES

RESTRICTIONS FROM 11.59PM ON 18 OCTOBER 2020:

From Sunday 11:59pm 18 October 2020 changes are being made to restrictions in both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Metropolitan Melbourne is in Second Step restrictions.

Key changes to restrictions include:

• You can now travel up to 25 km from your home or permitted workplace within metropolitan Melbourne. This replaces the 5km rule. Travel to regional Victoria is still only allowed for permitted purposes even if this is within 25 kms. This means you cannot travel into regional Victoria for exercise or recreation.
• You can leave home for any period of time to exercise or see friends and family outdoors. This replaces the 2 hour limit on these activities. There are no limits on the number of times you can leave home.
• You can meet in a group of up to 10 people from a maximum of 2 households outdoors in a public place to socialise (children under 12 months of age not included in the limit). An outdoor public place means areas accessible to everyone, including local parks and beaches. This replaces the limit of 5 people from a maximum of 2 households.

The COVIDSafe principles still apply:

• Wear a mask when outside your home (mandatory for people 12 yrs and over)
• Physical distancing (1.5 metres)
• Cough and sneeze into tissue or elbow
• Good hand hygiene – washing and sanitising

Over the coming days more information about the changes to restrictions will be added to Victoria's restriction level page and coronavirus Victoria website.

SUMMARY OF HOW THE ROADMAP AFFECTS MELBOURNE AFFILIATES:  

Here is a simple summary of how the Roadmap steps will affect common ministry activities run by Affiliates based in Metropolitan Melbourne. 

For more info see the full Roadmap to Recovery for Metro Melbourne and the DHHS Religion and Ceremony page for metro Melbourne which gets updated randomly and without clear logic, so check carefully.

If there is any doubt, please call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 and seek advice specific to your circumstances – guidance given by DHHS or Business Victoria trumps guidance from CCVT.

	FIRST STEP: CURRENT AS OF  13 SEPTEMBER	SECOND STEP: CURRENT AS OF 19 OCTOBER	THIRD STEP: SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS	LAST STEP: SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS	COVID NORMAL: SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS
Worship Services	Closed for on-site worship.  Online services only.	Places of worship closed for indoor worship. Outdoor religious gatherings and ceremonies are allowed for up to 5 people plus 1 faith leader, near to the place or worship, with only 1 group permitted at a time. No sharing of food, drink, crockery, utensils, or other equipment by participants. 25km limit applies. No time limits.	Places of worship open for private worship for households or social bubbles, plus a faith leader. Outdoor religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader allowed.	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.  Open with a COVIDSafe Plan.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Broadcast Team	Permitted. Limit of 5 people.	Permitted indoors. Limit of 5 people. 25km limit does not apply. No time limits.	Permitted. Limit of 5 people.	Permitted.	Permitted.
Weddings	Not permitted except for compassionate reasons, with up to 5 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant).	Allowed in outdoor public spaces with up to 5 people (including the couple and two witnesses but notincluding the celebrant).	Allowed with up to 10 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant).	Allowed with 50 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Funerals	Permitted. Limited to 10 mourners plus infants under 12 months of age and people required to conduct the funeral.	Funerals held in metro Melbourne restricted to 10 mourners (not including infants under 12 months of age) plus people required to conduct the funeral.  25km limit does not apply.  You can travel to a funeral outside of metro Melbourne. Restrictions apply based on the location of the funeral.	Allowed with up to 20 people (infants under 12m or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit).	Allowed with 50 people (not including infants under 12 months of age or people required to conduct the funeral), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups	Not permitted. Online only.	Permitted. Outdoor religious gatherings are allowed for up to five people plus one faith leader and near the place of worship. 25km limit. No time limits.	Outdoors: religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader are allowed.  At church: Facilities open for private worship for households or social bubbles, plus a faith leader. At homes: Only as per ‘household bubble’ rules.	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors.  Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Workers	Work from home. Permits for permitted work only.	Work from home. All Permitted Workers require work permits. All admin functions, even in essential services, need to be undertaken remotely, therefore Church offices are still closed.  The 25km limit does not apply to work.	Work from home if you can.	Work from home if you can.	Phased return to onsite work for workers who have been working from home.
Pastoral visitation in private home	Ensure single parents/carers and everyone who lives alone, especially socially isolated and elderly people, are included in a single social bubble so that they can have a visitor at home. Church pastoral carers outside the bubble can only meet with people within 5km and only outdoors.  End of life: Under Stage 4 restrictions, faith leaders may visit someone in their home on request to share spiritual ministry (or equivalent religious services) to provide care and support to a person who is at the end of their life.	Ensure single parents/carers and everyone who lives alone, especially socially isolated and elderly people, are included in a single social bubble.  Church pastoral carers outside the bubble can only meet with people as per the social gathering restrictions or as per the definition of care and compassion for at home visitation. Faith leaders may visit someone in their home on request to share spiritual ministry (or equivalent religious services) and provide care and support to a person who is at end of life.	Visitors to the home: create a ‘household bubble’ with 1 nominated household allowing up to 5 visitors from that household at a time.	Allowed. Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Pastoral visitation in care facilities	Under Stage 4 restrictions, faith leaders may visit someone in a hospital or care facility to share spiritual ministry (or equivalent religious services) to those who are at the end of their life, or if it would support a patient or resident with their emotional or mental wellbeing, in line with other visiting restrictions and if this support cannot be provided remotely. Seek case by case advice.	Social/emotional care: limited to 1 visitor at a time. The number and duration of visits should not exceed what is essential for that care.  Speak with other family, friends and carers before you visit to avoid a situation where the visitor limit is exceeded. End of Life care may be provided to a resident of a care facility or hospital. Contact the facility before visiting as they may have additional requirements, conditions or restrictions, For those in palliative care, visitors should discuss with the hospital, as special considerations may apply.	Seek case by case advice from facility.	Seek case by case advice from facility.	Seek case by case advice from facility.
Public Gatherings	Increased. Two people or a household can meet outdoors for a maximum of 2 hours. Limited to 5km radius. However, you can choose different people to catch up with outdoors at different times. That means you can choose a different person to exercise with on different days.	Permitted outdoors: Up to 10 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet outdoors to socialise (infants under 12 months of age are not included in the cap) within 25km of home. No time limits.	Increased to up to 10 people outdoors. No time limit or radius limits.	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors. No time limit or radius limits.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Essential Support Groups  (e.g. AA)	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Limited to the lower of 10 people or the number of permitted people under the 4 square metre rule.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees (subject to privacy).
Essential Support Services  (e.g. food bank)	Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.	Permitted. Limited to the number of permitted people under the 4 square metre rule.	Hospitality: predominantly outdoor seated service, increased group limit of 10 and density limits.	Hospitality: indoor (group limit of 20 and seated service, cap 50 patrons), outdoor dining subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Playgroups	Not permitted. Online only.	Outdoor religious gatherings of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed. No time limits.	Public gatherings: increased to up to 10 people outdoors	In homes, up to 20 people. At church, subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Op Shops	Closed except for click and collect/delivery.  Must have COVID Safe Plan.	Closed except for click and collect/delivery. Must have COVID Safe Plan.	Open	Open	Open
Childcare	Closed except for permitted workers.	Childcare open from 28 September and essential worker childcare permits are no longer required. Standalone (sessional) kindergarten programs from Monday 5 October in line with Term 4.	Open	Open	Open
Property Maintenance	Emergency only	Emergency repairs and maintenance only. Gardening services and landscaping businesses who have an Australian Business Number (ABN) can undertake landscaping and gardening such as mowing, gutter cleaning, tree lopping and general garden maintenance, provided that the work can be conducted entirely outside safely, contact-free, and by one person operating alone at all times. Workers should abide by employers’ COVIDSafe plan.

 

REGIONAL VICTORIA - KEY UPDATES

Regional Victoria remains in Third Step restrictions: 

• There are no restrictions on the reasons to leave home.
• There are no restrictions on how far you can travel within Regional Victoria.
• If you can work from home you must work from home.
• Face coverings must be worn by all Victorians when they leave home, unless they have a lawful exception.
• You can only travel to metropolitan Melbourne for permitted work, to seek medical treatment, care and compassionate reasons, or shopping for necessary goods and services. If you go to metropolitan Melbourne for shopping for necessary goods and services, then restrictions that apply to people in metropolitan Melbourne will also apply to you. You should only travel to the nearest provider in metropolitan Melbourne.
• Pet breeders can deliver pets to their new home (but please consider a rescue pet instead. Look at Cleo, what a cutie!)
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) get tested and stay home. Stay at home if you feel unwell.

From 18 October some restrictions have eased even further, including:

• You can have up to two people visit you at home each day. Infants under 12 months are not included in this cap, and other dependents can also attend if they cannot be left unattended or cared for in another setting. The two people may be from different households. This replaces the household bubbles.
• Libraries and toy libraries can open for up to 20 people indoors. No more than 10 people can gather in a space (for example for a class). The one person per four square metre rule, signage, cleaning and record-keeping requirements apply.
• Outdoor religious gatherings are allowed for up to 20 people plus one faith leader. This replaces the limit of ten people. This includes ceremonies, with no sharing of food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment by participants.
• The limits of people in restaurants and cafes increases. You can have up to 70 people outdoors and up to 10 people per indoor space with a maximum of 40 people per venue indoors. The two and four square metre rules apply. Indoor spaces must be separated by permanent structures (should reach floor to ceiling or be at least 2.1 metres high) or be a discrete area of the premises. Businesses must continue to ensure people from metropolitan Melbourne do not eat-in.

SUMMARY OF HOW THE ROADMAP AFFECTS REGIONAL VICTORIAN AFFILIATES

Here is a simple summary of how the Roadmap steps will affect common ministry activities run by Affiliates based in Regional Victoria. 

For more info see the full Roadmap to Recovery for Regional Victoria and the DHHS Religion and Ceremony page for Regional Victoria.

If there is any doubt, please call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 and seek advice specific to your circumstances – guidance given by DHHS or Business Victoria trumps guidance from CCVT.

	STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS	FIRST STEP: DOES NOT APPLY TO REGIONAL VICTORIA	SECOND STEP: FROM 11:59PM 13 SEPTEMBER 2020	THIRD STEP: CURRENT AS OF 18 OCTOBER 2020	LAST STEP: SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS	COVID NORMAL: SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS
Worship Services	Closed for on-site worship.  Online services only.		Closed for indoor on-site worship. Online services only.  Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Outdoors: Religious gatherings for up to 20 people plus a faith leader.   Indoors: Private worship can be attended by a household and up to 2 visitors, plus a faith leader.	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Broadcast Team	Permitted. Limit of 5 people.		Permitted.	Permitted. Limit of 5people allowed to conduct the service. Those people must wear a face covering at all times, unless you have a lawful exemption. Always keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others.	Permitted.	Permitted.
Weddings	Permitted. Limited to 5 people (including the couple, 2 witnesses and celebrant).		Permitted. Limited to 5 people (including the couple, 2 witnesses and celebrant).	Weddings are limited to 10 people including the couple and 2 witnesses. The celebrant and babies under 12 months of age are not included in the cap.  You cannot travel to or from metro Melbourne to attend a wedding as a guest.	Allowed with 50 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Funerals	Permitted. Limited to 10 mourners plus people required to conduct the funeral.		Allowed with up to 10 people (infants under 1yo or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit).	Funerals are limited to 20 people plus those required to conduct the funeral. Babies under 12 months of age are not included in the 20 person limit.	Allowed with up to 50 people (infants under 1yo or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit). Max of 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups	Not permitted – online only.		Permitted outdoors. Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Outdoors: religious gatherings for up to 20 people plus 1 faith leader are allowed.  At church: Private worship can be attended by a household and up to 2 visitors, plus 1 faith leader. At homes: Only as per household visitor rules.	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.    Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Workers	Work from home.		Work from home if you can.	Work from home if you can. However, if you cannot do your work from home, you can go to work. Must have a COVIDSafe Plan.	Work from home if you can. However, if you cannot do your work from home, you can go to work. Must have a COVIDSafe Plan.	Phased return to onsite work for workers who have been working from home.
Pastoral visitation in private home	Permitted only under care and compassionate grounds. No social visits.		Visitors to the home: 1 nominated visitor if living alone/single parent.	At home: You can have up to 2 people visit you separately at your home each day. You can only have 1 visitor at a time.  This replaces the household bubbles. Outdoors: Pastoral care should be conducted outdoors if possible.	Allowed. Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Pastoral visitation in care facilities	Seek case by case advice from facility.		Seek case by case advice from facility.	Permitted but seek case by case advice from facility.	Permitted but seek case by case advice from facility.	Permitted but seek case by case advice from facility.
Public Gatherings	Only with 1 other person.		Up to 5 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet outdoors for social interaction (infants under 12 months of age are not included in the cap).	Outdoor gatherings in a public space of up to 10 people from different households (babies under 12 months old are not included in this cap). Outdoor religious gatherings are allowed for up to 20 people plus 1 faith leader. This replaces the limit of 10 people. This includes ceremonies, with no sharing of food, drink, crockery, utensils, vessels or other equipment by participants. At church: Private worship can be attended by a household and up to 2 visitors, plus a faith leader.	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Essential Support Groups  (e.g. AA)	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.		Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less. Must have a COVIDSafe Plan.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees (subject to privacy).
Essential Support Services  (e.g. food bank)	Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.		Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.	Permitted. Up to 70 people outdoors and up to 10 people per indoor space with a max of 40 people per venue indoors.  The 4 sqm rule applies indoors and the  and 2 sqm rule applies outdoors.  Must have a COVIDSafe Plan. If unsure, check with DHHS for your specific situation.	Hospitality: indoor (group limit of 20 and seated service, cap 50 patrons), outdoor dining subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Playgroups	Not permitted – online only.		Permitted outdoors. Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Outdoor religious gatherings are allowed for up to 20 people plus 1 faith leader.	In homes, up to 20 people. At church, subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Op Shops	Open. Comply with the 4sqm rule, signage and cleaning recommendations.		Open. Comply with the 4sqm rule, signage and cleaning recommendations.	Open. Comply with the 4sqm rule, signage and cleaning recommendations.	Open	Open
Childcare	Open		Open	Open with safety measures	Open	Open

 

TASMANIA – KEY UPDATES

A MESSAGE FROM ELISE ARCHER, MINISTER FOR BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION: 

An article urging Tasmanian businesses to stay COVID safe.

BORDER RESTRICTIONS IN TASMANIA - TRAVEL FROM 26 OCTOBER 2020

People travelling from Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory who have not spent time in an affected region or premises in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Tasmania will not be required to quarantine on arrival in Tasmania from October 26 based on current Public Health advice.

Border restrictions will remain in place for people travelling from Victoria and NSW and those who have spent time in an Affected Region or Premises until further notice.

People entering the State from identified low-risk jurisdictions will be required to register their travel and contact details via the Tas E-Travel online systems a maximum of 3 days prior to arrival. The registration process will be available via this website from October 23. Travellers who have been in Affected Regions and Premises will still need to apply to enter the State via the G2G PASS system.

Based on current public health advice, people travelling from low-risk jurisdictions from October 26 will be able to continue to transit directly though Victoria or NSW (only stopping for fuel) to Sydney or Melbourne Airport or the Spirit of Tasmania terminal and not be subject to quarantine requirements that apply to that jurisdiction.

Please be aware that the COVID-19 situation in all States and Territories can change at any time requiring restrictions or other measures to be put in place. You should continue to monitor the latest situation at all times prior to your travel.

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE…

STAY UP TO DATE

There is a reason we direct you to formal websites rather than news articles or media. Learn facts - not opinions: 

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic) Ph: Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria Ph: 1800 136 089 (Mon-Fri)
• Business Victoria Ph: 13 22 15

GENERAL UPDATE TO ALL CCVT AFFILIATES

GOVERNMENT HAS EXTENDED JOBKEEPER FROM OCTOBER TO MARCH 2021

As you probably know, the Government has extended JobKeeper from October to March 2021, with several modifications. You will need to:

• Check your ongoing eligibility:
    - Sept 2020 qtr. turnover less than 15% of Sept 2019
    - Dec 2020 qtr. turnover less than 15% of Dec 2019
• Continue reporting as you have been.
• Work out the reduced amount each employee is entitled to and pay them that each fortnight (Tiers 1 and 2).

 Please action this before the end of the month.

 Below are some notes (and links) on this from the ATO's website:

Tier 1 rate:	Tier 2 rate:
This rate is expected to apply to: ·  eligible employees who worked for 80 hours or more in the four weeks of pay periods before either 1 March 2020 or 1 July 2020, and ·  eligible business participants who were actively engaged in the business for 80 hours or more in February and provide a declaration to that effect.	This rate is expected to apply to: ·  any other eligible employees and eligible business participants.

From 28 September 2020, you must do all of the following:

• work out if the Tier 1 or Tier 2 rate applies to each of your eligible employees and/or eligible business participants and/or eligible religious practitioners
• notify the Commissioner and your eligible employees and/or eligible business participants and/or eligible religious practitioners what payment rate applies to them; and
• during JobKeeper Extension 1, ensure your eligible employees are paid at least
    - $1,200 per fortnight for Tier 1 employees
    - $750 per fortnight for Tier 2 employees
• during JobKeeper Extension 2, ensure your eligible employees are paid at least
    - $1,000 per fortnight for Tier 1 employees
    - $650 per fortnight for Tier 2 employees.

For your eligible religious practitioners, you must provide certain benefits to them in the fortnight.

If you are registered for GST and have outstanding BAS statements, you should lodge your BAS for the September 2019 and December 2019 quarters as soon as possible (or for equivalent months, if you report monthly).

Fall in turnover:

To claim for fortnights in the JobKeeper Extension 1, you need to determine if you satisfy the actual fall in turnover test for the September 2020 quarter, you must calculate your GST turnover for the quarter of September 2019 and September 2020.

We will provide more information soon as to how to undertake this calculation.

For many businesses registered for GST, this calculation will match the ‘total sales’ reported at G1 on your BAS minus GST payable (1A), where applicable.

You can provide additional turnover information to demonstrate that you satisfy the actual fall in turnover test for the September quarter from the start of October onwards. You must provide it before you complete your November monthly declaration.

What doesn't change:

To claim for fortnights in the JobKeeper Extension 1 or 2:

• You don't need to re-enrol for the JobKeeper extension if you are already enrolled for JobKeeper for fortnights before 28 September.
• You don’t need to reassess employee eligibility or ask employees to agree to be nominated by you as their eligible employer if you are already claiming for them before 28 September.
• You don't need to meet any further requirements if you are claiming for an eligible business participant, other than those that applied from the start of JobKeeper relating to:
    - holding an ABN, and
    - declaring assessable income and supplies.

For more information: 

Please see the ATO website or contact the CCVT Finance Team on 03 9488 8800.

METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE - KEY UPDATES

FACESHIELDS NO LONGER SUFFICIENT PROTECTION ON THEIR OWN 

In Victoria, (and around the world quite frankly), the requirement to wear a face covering has been in place for some time and is expected to remain for a long time.  A face covering means a face mask that covers the nose and mouth. It has now been determined that face shields on their own do not meet the standard of protection required for COVID-19. From 28 September 2020, a face mask will be required.  There are a number of lawful excuses for not wearing a face covering.

SECOND STEP COMMENCED AT 11.59PM ON 27 SEPTEMBER 2020:

During the Second Step, there are only four reasons that you can leave home, and you need to stay local (within 5km from home):

• shop for food and necessary goods or services
• provide care, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment
• outdoor exercise or recreation
• for permitted work or education

There is no longer a curfew in metropolitan Melbourne.  Enjoy your midnight walks!

SUMMARY OF HOW THE ROADMAP AFFECTS MELBOURNE AFFILIATES:  

Here is a simple summary of how the Roadmap steps will affect common ministry activities run by Affiliates based in Metropolitan Melbourne. 

We have sought the most applicable current advice for each topic, but please note that some areas are not yet specified, and advice may change subject to 'trigger points' being met (such as how many active COVID-19 cases are in the community) and public health advice. The time period must pass AND the number of cases must be low enough to move to the next step. This is a trigger point for public health review.

For more info see the full Roadmap to Recovery for Metro Melbourne and the attached updated pdf.

Please note that the links to specific pages have been deleted as the DHHS are updating their website but I will add them back in as they become available again.  If there is any doubt, please call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 and seek advice specific to your circumstances – guidance given by DHHS or Business Victoria supersedes guidance from CCVT.

	STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS	FIRST STEP: CURRENT AS OF  13 SEPTEMBER	SECOND STEP: CURRENT AS OF  28 SEPTEMBER	THIRD STEP: 19 OCTOBER SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS	LAST STEP: SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS	COVID NORMAL: SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS
Worship Services	Closed for on-site worship.  Online services only.	Closed for on-site worship.  Online services only.	Places of worship closed, outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies), with no sharing of food, drink or other items by participants of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, nearby to a place of worship, are allowed.	Places of worship open for private worship for households or social bubbles, plus a faith leader. Outdoor religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader allowed.	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.  Open with a COVIDSafe Plan.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Broadcast Team	Permitted. Limit of 5 people.	Permitted.  Limit of 5 people.	Permitted. Limit of 5 people. (Link not currently available)	Permitted. Limit of 5 people.	Permitted.	Permitted.
Weddings	Not permitted except for compassionate reasons, with up to 5 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant).	Not permitted except for compassionate reasons, with up to 5 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant).	Allowed in outdoor public spaces with up to 5 people (including the couple and two witnesses but notincluding the celebrant)	Allowed with up to 10 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant).	Allowed with 50 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Funerals	Permitted. Limited to 10 mourners plus people required to conduct the funeral.	Permitted. Limited to 10 mourners plus infants under 12 months of age and people required to conduct the funeral.	Permitted. Allowed with up to 10 people (not including infants under 12 months of age or people required to conduct the funeral)	Allowed with up to 20 people (infants under 12m or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit).	Allowed with 50 people (not including infants under 12 months of age or people required to conduct the funeral), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups	Not permitted – online only.	Not permitted. Online only.	Permitted. Outdoor gatherings of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship, are allowed.	Outdoors: religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader are allowed.  At church: Facilities open for private worship for households or social bubbles, plus a faith leader. At homes: Only as per ‘household bubble’ rules.	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors.  Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Workers	Work from home.  Permits for permitted work only.	Work from home. Permits for permitted work only.	Work from home. All Permitted Workersrequire work permits. Church offices are still closed.	Work from home if you can.	Work from home if you can.	Phased return to onsite work for workers who have been working from home.
Pastoral visitation in private home	Not permitted – online only.	Ensure single parents/carers and everyone who lives alone, especially socially isolated and elderly people, are included in a single social bubble so that they can have a visitor at home. Church pastoral carers outside the bubble can only meet with people within 5km and only outdoors.  End of life: Under Stage 4 restrictions, faith leaders may visit someone in their home on request to share spiritual ministry (or equivalent religious services) to provide care and support to a person who is at the end of their life.	Ensure single parents/carers and everyone who lives alone, especially socially isolated and elderly people, are included in a single social bubble so that they can have a visitor at home.  Church pastoral carers outside the bubble can only meet with people within 5km and only outdoors as per public gathering restrictions. Please note the definition of “care and compassion”. End of life: Under Stage 4 restrictions, faith leaders may visit someone in their home on request to share spiritual ministry (or equivalent religious services) to provide care and support to a person who is at the end of their life. (Link not currently available)	Visitors to the home: create a ‘household bubble’ with 1 nominated household allowing up to 5 visitors from that household at a time.	Allowed. Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Pastoral visitation in care facilities	Not permitted – online only. Seek case by case advice	Under Stage 4 restrictions, faith leaders may visit someone in a hospital or care facility to share spiritual ministry (or equivalent religious services) to those who are at the end of their life, or if it would support a patient or resident with their emotional or mental wellbeing, in line with other visiting restrictions and if this support cannot be provided remotely. Seek case by case advice.	For social/emotional care that cannot be delivered by the health service care team or via electronic or means,  1 visitor at a time and should not exceed 1 hour or is essential for that care.    Speak with other family, friends and carers before you visit. This will avoid a situation where the visitor limit is exceeded.  Seek case by case advice from facility as additional facility restrictions may apply. Providing End of Life care to a resident of the facility is limited to two visitors at a time, with no limit on duration or number of visits.	Seek case by case advice from facility.	Seek case by case advice from facility.	Seek case by case advice from facility.
Public Gatherings	1 hour exercise limit, and with only 1 other person.  Limited to 5km radius.	Increased. Two people or a household can meet outdoors for a maximum of 2 hours. Limited to 5km radius. However, you can choose different people to catch up with outdoors at different times. That means you can choose a different person to exercise with on different days.	Permitted: Up to 5 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet outdoors for social interaction, exercise or recreation (infants under 12 months of age are not included in the cap) for a maximum of 2 hours and within 5km of their home.	Increased to up to 10 people outdoors. No time limit or radius limits.	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors. No time limit or radius limits.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Essential Support Groups  (e.g. AA)	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is less. (Link not currently available)	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees (subject to privacy).
Essential Support Services  (e.g. food bank)	Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.	Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.	Permitted.  Take away or delivery only. (Link not currently available)	Hospitality: predominantly outdoor seated service, increased group limit of 10 and density limits.	Hospitality: indoor (group limit of 20 and seated service, cap 50 patrons), outdoor dining subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Playgroups	Not permitted – online only.	Not permitted. Online only.	Outdoor religious gatherings of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed. Max of 2 hours.	Public gatherings: increased to up to 10 people outdoors	In homes, up to 20 people. At church, subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Op Shops	Closed except for click and collect/delivery.  Must have COVID Safe Plan.	Closed except for click and collect/delivery.  Must have COVID Safe Plan.	Closed except for click and collect/delivery.  Must have COVID Safe Plan.	Open	Open	Open
Childcare	Closed except for permitted workers.	Closed except for permitted workers.	Childcare will open from 28 September and essential worker childcare permits will no longer be required. Standalone (sessional) kindergarten programs from Monday 5 October in line with Term 4.	Open	Open	Open

REGIONAL VICTORIA - KEY UPDATES

From 11:59pm on Wednesday 16 September, regional Victoria is moved to the Third Step:

• There are no restrictions on the reasons to leave home.
• Stay safe as restrictions ease by washing your hands regularly, wearing a face covering when you leave home, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and keeping at least 1.5 metres from others.
• Keep your friends and family safe by meeting outdoors. There is a lower risk of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) between people if you are outdoors. Groups of up to ten people will be able to meet outdoors.
• Restrictions are easing to allow for cafes, restaurants, beauty and personal care, and some outdoor entertainment venues to open. Restaurants will open in a predominantly outdoor capacity, with a group limit of 10 people, and density limits.
• You must not travel to metropolitan Melbourne except for permitted work purposes, care and compassionate reasons or shopping for food and supplies, if necessary.
• Face coverings must be worn by all Victorians when they leave home, unless they have a lawful exception.
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) get tested and stay home. Stay at home if you feel unwell.

SUMMARY OF HOW THE ROADMAP AFFECTS REGIONAL VICTORIAN AFFILIATES

Here is a simple summary of how the Roadmap steps will affect common ministry activities run by Affiliates based in Regional Victoria. 

We have sought the most applicable current advice for each topic, but please note that some areas are not yet specified, and advice may change subject to 'trigger points' being met (such as how many active COVID-19 cases are in the community) and public health advice. The time period must pass AND the number of cases must be low enough to move to the next step. This is a trigger point for public health review.

For more info see the full Roadmap to Recovery for Regional Victoria and the attached updated pdf.

	STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS	FIRST STEP: DOES NOT APPLY TO REGIONAL VICTORIA	SECOND STEP: FROM 11:59PM 13 SEPTEMBER 2020	THIRD STEP: CURRENT AS OF 16 SEPTEMBER 2020	LAST STEP: SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS	COVID NORMAL: SUBJECT TO TRIGGER POINTS
Worship Services	Closed for on-site worship.  Online services only.		Closed for indoor on-site worship. Online services only.  Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Outdoors: Religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader are allowed.  Indoors: Private worship can only be attended by a household or a household bubble (the household plus up to five people from the nominated household) plus a faith leader.	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Broadcast Team	Permitted. Limit of 5 people.		Permitted.	Permitted. Limit of 5people allowed to conduct the service.	Permitted.	Permitted.
Weddings	Permitted. Limited to 5 people (including the couple, 2 witnesses and celebrant).		Permitted. Limited to 5 people (including the couple, 2 witnesses and celebrant).	Weddings are limited to ten people including the couple and two witnesses. The celebrant is not included in the ten person cap. You cannot travel to or from metropolitan Melbourne to attend a wedding as a guest. Babies under 12 months of age are not included in the limit.	Allowed with 50 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Funerals	Permitted. Limited to 10 mourners plus people required to conduct the funeral.		Allowed with up to 10 people (infants under 1yo or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit).	Funerals are limited to 20 people plus those required to conduct the funeral. Babies under 12 months of age are not included in the 20 person limit.	Allowed with up to 50 people (infants under 1yo or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit). Max of 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups	Not permitted – online only.		Permitted outdoors. Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Outdoors: religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader are allowed.  At church: Private worship can be attended by a household or a household bubble (the household plus up to five people from the nominated household) plus a faith leader. At homes: Only as per ‘household bubble’ rules.	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.    Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Workers	Work from home.		Work from home if you can.	Work from home if you can.	Work from home if you can.	Phased return to onsite work for workers who have been working from home.
Pastoral visitation in private home	Permitted only under care and compassionate grounds. No social visits.		Visitors to the home: 1 nominated visitor if living alone/single parent.	Ensure everyone, especially socially isolated and elderly people are included in a single or household social bubble. Individual pastoral care should be conducted outdoors where possible. You can go to someone's house if it is an emergency, or for care and compassionate reasons.	Allowed. Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Pastoral visitation in care facilities	Seek case by case advice from facility.		Seek case by case advice from facility.	Permitted but seek case by case advice from facility.	Permitted but seek case by case advice from facility.	Permitted but seek case by case advice from facility.
Public Gatherings	Only with 1 other person.		Up to 5 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet outdoors for social interaction (infants under 12 months of age are not included in the cap).	Outdoor gatherings have increased to up to 10 people outdoors (babies under 12 months old are not included in this cap). Indoors at church: Private worship can be attended by a household or a household bubble (the household plus up to five people from the nominated household) plus a faith leader. At homes: You cannot have visitors to your home who aren’t in your bubble.	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Essential Support Groups  (e.g. AA)	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.		Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees (subject to privacy).
Essential Support Services  (e.g. food bank)	Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.		Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.	Permitted.  Hospitality: predominantly outdoor seated service, increased group limit of 10 and density limits.	Hospitality: indoor (group limit of 20 and seated service, cap 50 patrons), outdoor dining subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Playgroups	Not permitted – online only.		Permitted outdoors. Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Outdoor religious gatherings are allowed for up to ten people plus one faith leader. (Same ratios apply to community halls etc)	In homes, up to 20 people. At church, subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Op Shops	Open. Comply with the 4sqm rule, signage and cleaning recommendations.		Open. Comply with the 4sqm rule, signage and cleaning recommendations.	Open. Comply with the 4sqm rule, signage and cleaning recommendations.	Open	Open
Childcare	Open		Open	Open with safety measures	Open	Open

TASMANIA – KEY UPDATES

NO CHANGES!

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE…

STAY UP TO DATE

There is a reason we direct you to formal websites rather than news articles or media. Learn facts - not opinions: 

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic) Ph: Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria Ph: 1800 136 089 (Mon-Fri)
• Business Victoria Ph: 13 22 15

 

GENERAL UPDATES TO ALL CCVT AFFILIATES

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR AFFILIATE ORGANISATIONS STRUCTURED AS COMPANIES

Each organisation’s governance model will differ slightly, but a recent development is of interest to the directors of Affiliates structured as companies. 

During what may be a particularly challenging period, churches might well hold reserve funds or have other provisions in place but others, despite their best efforts, do not. 

The federal government has announced a six-month relief period for directors from any personal liability for trading while insolvent. This now extends to 31st December 2020. 

Details of this provision are provided on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission website as follows: https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/articles/directors-duties-in-the-context-of-covid-19/. 

Please contact the CCVT office for assistance if your church or agency is experiencing financial hardship so that we can assist where possible.

E-SAFETY TRAINING WEBINAR FOR LEADERS 

CCVT has arranged for the eSafety Commission to present a webinar addressing the topic of running an online ministry safely, and connecting with children and young people online, specifically for Churches and youth ministries in Victoria.

This free webinar will cover:

• the current online environment and safe online interactions with children and young people
• the current technology trends and issues for young people
• managing risks and supporting young people in a youth group environment
• resources to help youth leaders.

While focusing on children and young people the content of this webinar will be applicable for leaders of other ministries. Therefore, any leader or volunteer (aged 18 and over) is welcome and encouraged to attend. 

Time: 6.50pm for a 7.00pm start

Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4045912928448899599

After you register you will receive a confirmation email, containing the link you will need to view the webinar. The link that is unique to you, so cannot be forwarded or shared with multiple devices. Please refer to the information in the confirmation email to check that your device is set up correctly.

Please note: Due to copyright permissions on images the Esafety Commission use and the interactive nature of their live webinars, they do not allow distribution or recording of their webinars. Participants must NOT record eSafety webinars.

ONLINE TRAINING OPTIONS COVID-19

The CCVT website has a number of links to various COVID-19 related online training resources that leaders and volunteers may find helpful.  

Check out https://www.churchesofchrist.org.au/home/coronavirus/online-training.

METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE - KEY UPDATES

END OF LIFE PASTORAL SUPPORT CHANGED … AGAIN

Please note that the DHHS has again changed its position on pastoral care visitation to people at the end of life both in the private home, and in care facilities such as hospitals and aged care. 

Please ensure that you check with the facility in question prior to visiting anyone in hospital or aged care, as strict conditions apply with regard to who can visit, when, and for how long.  This may differ from location to location so please seek advise on a case by case basis.

SUMMARY OF HOW THE ROADMAP AFFECTS MELBOURNE AFFILIATES:  

Here is a simple summary of how the Roadmap steps will affect common ministry activities run by Affiliates based in Metropolitan Melbourne. 

We have sought the most applicable current advice for each topic, but please note that some areas are not yet specified, and advice may change subject to 'trigger points' being met (such as how many active COVID-19 cases are in the community) and public health advice. The time period must pass AND the number of cases must be low enough to move to the next step. This is a trigger point for public health review.

For more info see the full Roadmap to Recovery for Metro Melbourne.

	STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS	FIRST STEP: CURRENT AS OF  13 SEPTEMBER	SECOND STEP: FROM 28 SEPTEMBER	THIRD STEP: FROM 26 OCTOBER	LAST STEP: FROM 23 NOVEMBER	COVID NORMAL: TBA
Worship Services	Closed for on-site worship.  Online services only.	Closed for on-site worship.  Online services only.	Closed for indoor on-site worship. Online services only.  Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Places of worship open for private worship for households or social bubbles, plus a faith leader. Outdoor religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader allowed.	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.  Open with a COVIDSafe Plan.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Broadcast Team	Permitted. Limit of 5 people.	Permitted.  Limit of 5 people.	Permitted.  Limit of 5 people.	Permitted.  Limit of 5 people.	Permitted.	Permitted.
Weddings	Not permitted except for compassionate reasons, with up to 5 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant).	Not permitted except for compassionate reasons, with up to 5 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant).	Not permitted except for compassionate reasons, with up to 5 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant).	Allowed with up to 10 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant).	Allowed with 50 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Funerals	Permitted. Limited to 10 mourners plus people required to conduct the funeral.	Permitted. Limited to 10 mourners plus infants under 12 months of age and people required to conduct the funeral.	Permitted. Limited to 10 mourners plus infants under 12 months of age and people required to conduct the funeral.	Allowed with up to 20 people (infants under 12m or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit).	Allowed with 50 people (not including infants under 12 months of age or people required to conduct the funeral), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups	Not permitted – online only.	Not permitted. Online only.	Permitted outdoors. Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Outdoors: religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader are allowed.  At church: Facilities open for private worship for households or social bubbles, plus a faith leader. At homes: Only as per ‘household bubble’ rules.	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors.  Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Workers	Work from home.  Permits for permitted work only.	Work from home.  Permits for permitted work only.	Work from home.  Permits for permitted work only.	Work from home if you can.	Work from home if you can.	Phased return to onsite work for workers who have been working from home.
Pastoral visitation in private home	Not permitted – online only.	Ensure single parents/carers and everyone who lives alone, especially socially isolated and elderly people, are included in a single social bubble so that they can have a visitor at home. Church pastoral carers outside the bubble can only meet with people within 5km and only outdoors.  End of life: Under Stage 4 restrictions, faith leaders may visit someone in their home on request to share spiritual ministry (or equivalent religious services) to provide care and support to a person who is at the end of their life.	Visitors to the home: 1 nominated visitor if living alone/single parent.	Visitors to the home: create a ‘household bubble’ with 1 nominated household allowing up to 5 visitors from that household at a time.	Allowed. Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Pastoral visitation in care facilities	Not permitted – online only. Seek case by case advice	Under Stage 4 restrictions, faith leaders may visit someone in a hospital or care facility to share spiritual ministry (or equivalent religious services) to those who are at the end of their life, or if it would support a patient or resident with their emotional or mental wellbeing, in line with other visiting restrictions and if this support cannot be provided remotely. Seek case by case advice.	Seek case by case advice.	Seek case by case advice.	Seek case by case advice.	Seek case by case advice.
Public Gatherings	1 hour exercise limit, and with only 1 other person.  Limited to 5km radius.	Increased. Two people or a household can meet outdoors for a maximum of 2 hours. Limited to 5km radius. However, you can choose different people to catch up with outdoors at different times. That means you can choose a different person to exercise with on different days.	Up to 5 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet outdoors for social interaction, exercise or recreation (infants under 12m not included in the cap) for a maximum of 2 hours. Limited to 5km radius.	Increased to up to 10 people outdoors. No time limit or radius limits.	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors. No time limit or radius limits.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Essential Support Groups  (e.g. AA)	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees (subject to privacy).
Essential Support Services  (e.g. food bank)	Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.	Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.	Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.	Hospitality: predominantly outdoor seated service, increased group limit of 10 and density limits.	Hospitality: indoor (group limit of 20 and seated service, cap 50 patrons), outdoor dining subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Playgroups	Not permitted – online only.	Not permitted. Online only.	Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Public gatherings: increased to up to 10 people outdoors	In homes, up to 20 people. At church, subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Op Shops	Closed except for click and collect/delivery.  Must have COVID Safe Plan.	Closed except for click and collect/delivery.  Must have COVID Safe Plan.	Closed except for click and collect/delivery.  Must have COVID Safe Plan.	Open	Open	Open
Childcare	Closed except for permitted workers.	Closed except for permitted workers.	Open	Open	Open	Open

REGIONAL VICTORIA - KEY UPDATES

From 11:59pm on Wednesday 16 September, regional Victoria is moved to the Third Step:

• There are no restrictions on the reasons to leave home.
• Stay safe as restrictions ease by washing your hands regularly, wearing a face covering when you leave home, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and keeping at least 1.5 metres from others.
• Keep your friends and family safe by meeting outdoors. There is a lower risk of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) between people if you are outdoors. Groups of up to ten people will be able to meet outdoors.
• Restrictions are easing to allow for cafes, restaurants, beauty and personal care, and some outdoor entertainment venues to open. Restaurants will open in a predominantly outdoor capacity, with a group limit of 10 people, and density limits.
• You must not travel to metropolitan Melbourne except for permitted work purposes, care and compassionate reasons or shopping for food and supplies, if necessary.
• Face coverings must be worn by all Victorians when they leave home, unless they have a lawful exception.
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) get tested and stay home. Stay at home if you feel unwell.

SUMMARY OF HOW THE ROADMAP AFFECTS REGIONAL VICTORIAN AFFILIATES

Here is a simple summary of how the Roadmap steps will affect common ministry activities run by Affiliates based in Regional Victoria. 

We have sought the most applicable current advice for each topic, but please note that some areas are not yet specified, and advice may change subject to 'trigger points' being met (such as how many active COVID-19 cases are in the community) and public health advice. The time period must pass AND the number of cases must be low enough to move to the next step. This is a trigger point for public health review.

For more info see the full Roadmap to Recovery for Regional Victoria: www.vic.gov.au/restrictions-roadmap-regional-victoria.

	STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS	FIRST STEP: DOES NOT APPLY TO REGIONAL VICTORIA	SECOND STEP: FROM 11:59PM 13 SEPTEMBER 2020	THIRD STEP: CURRENT AS OF 16 SEPTEMBER 2020	LAST STEP: FROM 23 NOVEMBER	COVID NORMAL: TBA
Worship Services	Closed for on-site worship.  Online services only.		Closed for indoor on-site worship. Online services only.  Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Outdoors: Religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader are allowed.  Indoors: Private worship can only be attended by a household or a household bubble (the household plus up to five people from the nominated household) plus a faith leader.	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Broadcast Team	Permitted. Limit of 5 people.		Permitted.	Permitted. Limit of 5people.	Permitted.	Permitted.
Weddings	Permitted. Limited to 5 people (including the couple, 2 witnesses and celebrant).		Permitted. Limited to 5 people (including the couple, 2 witnesses and celebrant).	Weddings are limited to ten people including the couple and two witnesses. The celebrant is not included in the ten person cap. You cannot travel to or from metropolitan Melbourne to attend a wedding as a guest. Babies under 12 months of age are not included in the limit.	Allowed with 50 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Funerals	Permitted. Limited to 10 mourners plus people required to conduct the funeral.		Allowed with up to 10 people (infants under 1yo or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit).	Funerals are limited to 20 people plus those required to conduct the funeral. Babies under 12 months of age are not included in the 20 person limit.	Allowed with up to 50 people (infants under 1yo or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit). Max of 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups	Not permitted – online only.		Permitted outdoors. Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Outdoors: religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader are allowed.  At church: Private worship can be attended by a household or a household bubble (the household plus up to five people from the nominated household) plus a faith leader. At homes: Only as per ‘household bubble’ rules.	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.    Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Workers	Work from home.		Work from home if you can.	Work from home if you can.	Work from home if you can.	Phased return to onsite work for workers who have been working from home.
Pastoral visitation in private home	Permitted only under care and compassionate grounds. No social visits.		Visitors to the home: 1 nominated visitor if living alone/single parent.	Ensure everyone, especially socially isolated and elderly people are included in a single or household social bubble. Individual pastoral care should be conducted outside where possible. You can go to someone's house if it is an emergency, or for care and compassionate reasons.	Allowed. Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Pastoral visitation in care facilities	Seek case by case advice from facility.		Seek case by case advice from facility.	Permitted but seek case by case advice from facility.	Permitted but seek case by case advice from facility.	Permitted but seek case by case advice from facility.
Public Gatherings	Only with 1 other person.		Up to 5 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet outdoors for social interaction (infants under 12 months of age are not included in the cap).	Outdoor gatherings have increased to up to 10 people outdoors (babies under 12 months old are not included in this cap). Indoors	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Essential Support Groups  (e.g. AA)	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.		Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees (subject to privacy).
Essential Support Services  (e.g. food bank)	Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.		Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.	Permitted.  Hospitality: predominantly outdoor seated service, increased group limit of 10 and density limits.	Hospitality: indoor (group limit of 20 and seated service, cap 50 patrons), outdoor dining subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Playgroups	Not permitted – online only.		Permitted outdoors. Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Outdoor religious gatherings are allowed for up to ten people plus one faith leader.	In homes, up to 20 people. At church, subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Op Shops	Open. Comply with the 4sqm rule, signage and cleaning recommendations.		Open. Comply with the 4sqm rule, signage and cleaning recommendations.	Open. Comply with the 4sqm rule, signage and cleaning recommendations.	Open	Open
Childcare	Open		Open	Open with safety measures	Open	Open

TASMANIA – KEY UPDATES

CHANGES TO OUTDOOR GATHERING CAPACITY

From next Friday the 25th September 2020, capacity at outdoor events will increase to a maximum of 1000 people. 

Maximum density limits of two square metres of space per person will continue to apply and events must have a thorough COVID safety plan that addresses all the risks of their activities. 

The current maximum of 250 people for an undivided space in an indoor premises remains in place and has not changed.

Please continue to observe the gathering restrictions, maintain appropriate physical distancing, stay home if you are unwell and keep up good hygiene practices as we strive to avoid a second wave of the virus in Tasmania.

For more information on the current restrictions in Tasmania click here.

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

 

STAY UP TO DATE

There is a reason we direct you to formal websites rather than news articles or media. Learn facts - not opinions: 

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic) Ph: Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria Ph: 1800 136 089 (Mon-Fri)
• Business Victoria Ph: 13 22 15

METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE - KEY UPDATES

SUMMARY OF HOW THE ROADMAP AFFECTS MELBOURNE AFFILIATES:  

From 11.59pm 13 September 2020 some restrictions will be eased across Victoria, subject to 'trigger points' being met (such as how many active COVID-19 cases are in the community) and public health advice. 

Here is a simple summary of how those changes will affect common ministry activities run by Affiliates based in Metropolitan Melbourne. We have sought the most applicable current advice for each topic, but please note that some areas are not yet specified, and advice may change.  

For more info see the full Roadmap to Recovery for Metro Melbourne.

	CURRENT STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS	FIRST STEP: FROM 11:59PM 13 SEPTEMBER 2020	SECOND STEP: FROM 28 SEPTEMBER	THIRD STEP: FROM 26 OCTOBER	LAST STEP: FROM 23 NOV 2020	NORMAL
Worship Services	Closed for on-site worship.  Online services only.	Closed for on-site worship.  Online services only.	Closed for indoor on-site worship. Online services only.  Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Places of worship open for private worship for households or social bubbles, plus a faith leader. Outdoor religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader allowed.	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.  Open with a COVIDSafe Plan.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Broadcast Team	Permitted. Limit of 5 people.	Permitted. Limit of 5 people.	Permitted.	Permitted.	Permitted.	Permitted.
Weddings	Not permitted except for compassionate reasons, with up to 5 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant).	Not permitted except for compassionate reasons, with up to 5 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant).	Permitted. Limited to 5 people (including the couple, 2 witnesses and celebrant).	Allowed with up to 10 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant).	Allowed with 50 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Funerals	Permitted. Limited to 10 mourners plus people required to conduct the funeral.	Permitted. Limited to 10 mourners plus infants under 12 months of age and people required to conduct the funeral.	Permitted. Limited to 10 mourners plus infants under 12 months of age and people required to conduct the funeral.	Allowed with up to 20 people (infants under 12m or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit).	Allowed with 50 people (not including infants under 12 months of age or people required to conduct the funeral), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups	Not permitted – online only.	Not permitted – online only.	Permitted outdoors. Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Outdoors: religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader are allowed.  At church: Facilities open for private worship for households or social bubbles, plus a faith leader. At homes: Only as per ‘household bubble’ rules.	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors.  Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Workers	Work from home.  Permits for permitted work only.	Work from home.  Permits for permitted work only.	Work from home.  Permits for permitted work only.	Work from home if you can.	Work from home if you can.	Phased return to onsite work for workers who have been working from home.
Pastoral visitation in private home	Not permitted – online only.	Visitors to the home: increased to 1 nominated visitor if living alone/single parent. Consider meeting outdoors if living within 5km if not in single social bubble.	Visitors to the home: 1 nominated visitor if living alone/single parent.	Visitors to the home: create a ‘household bubble’ with 1 nominated household allowing up to 5 visitors from that household at a time.	Allowed. Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Pastoral visitation in care facilities	Not permitted – online only. Seek case by case advice	Seek case by case advice.	Seek case by case advice.	Seek case by case advice.	Seek case by case advice.	Seek case by case advice.
Public Gatherings	1 hour exercise limit, and with only 1 other person.  Limited to 5km radius.	Increased to 2 people or a household that can meet outdoors for a maximum of 2 hours. Limited to 5km radius.	Up to 5 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet outdoors for social interaction, exercise or recreation (infants under 12m not included in the cap) for a maximum of 2 hours. Limited to 5km radius.	Increased to up to 10 people outdoors. No time limit or radius limits.	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors. No time limit or radius limits.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Essential Support Groups  (e.g. AA)	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm, or a maximum of 10 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees (subject to privacy).
Essential Support Services  (e.g. food bank)	Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.	Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.	Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.	Hospitality: predominantly outdoor seated service, increased group limit of 10 and density limits.	Hospitality: indoor (group limit of 20 and seated service, cap 50 patrons), outdoor dining subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Playgroups	Not permitted – online only.	Not permitted – online only.	Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Public gatherings: increased to up to 10 people outdoors	In homes, up to 20 people. At church, subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Op Shops	Closed except for click and collect/delivery.  Must have COVID Safe Plan.	Closed except for click and collect/delivery.  Must have COVID Safe Plan.	Closed except for click and collect/delivery.  Must have COVID Safe Plan.	Open	Open	Open
Childcare	Closed except for permitted workers.	Closed except for permitted workers.	Open	Open	Open	Open

 

REGIONAL VICTORIA - KEY UPDATES

SUMMARY OF HOW THE ROADMAP AFFECTS REGIONAL VICTORIAN AFFILIATES

From 11.59pm 13 September 2020 some restrictions will be eased across Victoria, subject to 'trigger points' being met (such as how many active COVID-19 cases are in the community) and public health advice. 

Here is a simple summary of how those changes will affect common ministry activities run by Affiliates based in Regional Victoria. We have sought the most applicable current advice for each topic, but please note that some areas are not yet specified, and advice may change.  

For more info see the full Roadmap to Recovery for Regional Victoria: www.vic.gov.au/restrictions-roadmap-regional-victoria

	CURRENT STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS	FIRST STEP: DOES NOT APPLY TO REGIONAL VICTORIA	SECOND STEP: FROM 11:59PM 13 SEPTEMBER 2020	THIRD STEP: WHEN THRESHOLD MET	LAST STEP: FROM 23 NOV 2020 OR WHEN THRESHOLDS ARE MET (LATTER)	NORMAL
Worship Services	Closed for on-site worship.  Online services only.		Closed for indoor on-site worship. Online services only.  Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Outdoor religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader are allowed. Facilities open for private worship for households or social bubbles, plus a faith leader.	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Broadcast Team	Permitted. Limit of 5 people.		Permitted.	Permitted.	Permitted.	Permitted.
Weddings	Permitted. Limited to 5 people (including the couple, 2 witnesses and celebrant).		Permitted. Limited to 5 people (including the couple, 2 witnesses and celebrant).	Allowed with up to 10 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant).	Allowed with 50 people (including the couple, two witnesses and celebrant), 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Funerals	Permitted. Limited to 10 mourners plus people required to conduct the funeral.		Allowed with up to 10 people (infants under 1yo or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit).	Allowed with up to 20 people (infants under 1yo or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit).	Allowed with up to 50 people (infants under 1yo or people required to conduct the funeral not included in the limit). Max of 20 in a private residence.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Prayer Groups & Bible Study Groups	Not permitted – online only.		Permitted outdoors. Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Outdoors: religious gatherings for up to 10 people plus a faith leader are allowed.  At church: Facilities open for private worship for households or social bubbles, plus a faith leader. At homes: Only as per ‘household bubble’ rules.	Public worship can resume in outdoor and indoor settings subject to density quotient.    Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Workers	Work from home.		Work from home if you can.	Work from home if you can.	Work from home if you can.	Phased return to onsite work for workers who have been working from home.
Pastoral visitation in private home	Permitted only under care and compassionate grounds. No social visits.		Visitors to the home: 1 nominated visitor if living alone/single parent.	Visitors to the home: create a ‘household bubble’ with 1 nominated household allowing up to 5 visitors from that household at a time.	Allowed. Visitors to the home: increased to up to 20 visitors at a time.	No limits but organisers required to keep records of attendees.
Pastoral visitation in care facilities	Seek case by case advice from facility.		Seek case by case advice from facility.	Seek case by case advice from facility.	Seek case by case advice from facility.	Seek case by case advice from facility.
Public Gatherings	Only with 1 other person.		Up to 5 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet outdoors for social interaction (infants under 12 months of age are not included in the cap).	Increased to up to 10 people outdoors.	Increased to up to 50 people outdoors.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Essential Support Groups  (e.g. AA)	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.		Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.	Permitted. Must maintain density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm or a maximum of 20 people, whichever is less.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees (subject to privacy).
Essential Support Services  (e.g. food bank)	Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.		Permitted.  Take away or delivery only.	Hospitality: predominantly outdoor seated service, increased group limit of 10 and density limits.	Hospitality: indoor (group limit of 20 and seated service, cap 50 patrons), outdoor dining subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Playgroups	Not permitted – online only.		Permitted outdoors. Outdoor gatherings (not ceremonies) of up to 5 people, plus 1 faith leader, proximate to a place of worship allowed.	Public gatherings: increased to up to 10 people outdoors	In homes, up to 20 people. At church, subject to density quotient.	No restrictions but organisers encouraged to keep records of attendees.
Op Shops	Open. Comply with the 4sqm rule, signage and cleaning recommendations.		Open. Comply with the 4sqm rule, signage and cleaning recommendations.	Open. Comply with the 4sqm rule, signage and cleaning recommendations.	Open	Open
Childcare	Open		Open	Open	Open	Open

 

TASMANIA – KEY UPDATES

NO CHANGES

You’re all good. Enjoy your travel vouchers!  

MASIH CHURCH MELBOURNE

Not many know, but Ps Mohit Sampson of Masih Church Melbourne is a talented and accomplished songwriter and producer of Hindi/Punjabi worship songs. His contemporary tunes are sung all over North Indian churches. Mohit put his music ministry aside to plant the first Hindustani/Punjabi church in Melbourne last 3-4 years, so this is an awesome comeback. If some scenes look like Melbourne, it’s because they are.  Check out his YouTube clip here! 

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

(Your reward for scrolling all the way to the bottom of this email!)

STAY UP TO DATE

There is a reason we direct you to formal websites rather than news articles or media. Learn facts - not opinions: 

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic) Ph: Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria Ph: 1800 136 089 (Mon-Fri)
• Business Victoria Ph: 13 22 15

You can find all previous Coronavirus and Churches of Christ emails and many of the resources on our website: www.churchesofchrist.org.au/home/coronavirus/coronavirus-updates.   

Please note that the advice has changed significantly as the situation has evolved, but many of the resources are still appropriate and we welcome any suggestions or feedback.

GENERAL UPDATES TO ALL CCVT AFFILIATES

DO WE NEED TO CONTINUE CHECKING OUR ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES AT OUR PROPERTY?

Yes, but because the frequency or type of essential safety measures you can check will vary from stage to stage, and state to state there may be gaps. That’s okay.

Stick to your scheduled maintenance as per the Redbook as much as possible and do what you can from home if restrictions do not allow you to attend the property. 

Your service providers will guide you as to whether they can attend the site to do their checks, so make sure you communicate with them. 

Make notes in your Redbook to clearly explain why some inspections were missed or delayed (e.g. building closed due to Stage 4 restrictions).  

MEDIA COVERAGE OF CROSSCULTURE ASSIST PROGRAM

A good news story from CrossCulture Church of Christ in Melbourne who are providing support to international students, migrant workers, asylum seekers, and refugees. The CrossCulture Assist program (funded in part by a CareWorks COVID Grant) has been getting some great media attention lately and for good reason.

www.facebook.com/assistmelbourne/videos/300941647879361
www.facebook.com/156208604410049/posts/3496570940373782

FREE ACCESS TO THE EMPOWER PROGRAM

The EMPOWER program is designed to help advance Mental Health, strengthen faith and enable emotional wellbeing in times of crisis. The practical strategies and life skills taught in the EMPOWER program are designed to help you to develop emotional resilience, enhance your personal capacity to manage critical incidents, and where applicable, facilitate recovery from high-impact life events. This program draws from the best of empirical research and theological insights to help participants respond to and recover from difficult challenges, personal misfortune or tragedy.

This modified, online edition of EMPOWER, is presented from a Biblical worldview, combining the best of science and scripture. The guide/activity sheet for the first session is attached if you would like to know more.

All members of your organisation and community are eligible to participate in the 12 session educational EMPOWER program. 

Register here: https://empower.peoplecare.global and use this Coupon Code at checkout for FREE access: emp912020

UPDATE ON PASTOR MICHAEL ROJALES - BERWICK CHURCH OF CHRIST

Ps Rob Buckingham (Bayside Church Melbourne) interviews a Pastor Michael Rojales from Berwick Church of Christ about his experience of and recovery from COVID-19 and particularly how to have courageous faith in this time. 

It’s a really interesting and encouraging interview and on behalf of the CCVT movement we wish Michael, his family, and the team at Berwick a full recovery and every blessing.  Watch it here.

PRAYER, COVID-19, AND SOME SOCIAL RESEARCH

We don’t normally include news articles in this email update but this one in the Sydney Morning Herald was an interesting article and a potential encouragement for our churches to realise the power of prayer and family prayer. It’s good to see a positive spin on the pandemic and the effect of church closure – another reminder that church is not just a building! Read the article here.  

COMBINED ONLINE CHURCH SERVICES

York Street Church of Christ and one2one Church are both producing online church services and are willing to buddy up with other churches who aren’t able to broadcast. 

They can incorporate your church family messages, prayer points, special mentions, promote a key event, and point any pastoral care needs back to your team so you don’t lose the personal local connection but still get to worship together – what an awesome way to work as the Body of Christ!

This won’t replace pastoral care, or the community which each church already has, but it may offer an opportunity to sing and connect through Gods word as well as honour the unity of the body of Christ in its different locations. 

Please contact the church of your choice if you would like to discuss this option further.

If you would like to make your services open to other faith communities in this integrated way, please let CCVT so we can promote it.

KIDS MINISTRY CURRICULUM AVAILABLE

We have an exciting initiative from Door of Hope, Launceston!  

Dorothy Roberts (Generations Pastor) has developed a curriculum plan for their Kids Ministry and has generously offered to make this available to other churches to remove the hard work of planning/writing lessons and allow you to focus on the things that matter.

Churches would be able to choose whether they would like to:

• Live stream the content (this would be site neutral as much as possible);
• Choose some, or all, of the segments needed. 

One of the drawbacks of many of the curricula that we utilise is that they are US-based content, whereas this is written for the Australian context. As a church, you can decide if you would like to use the video segments made available by Door of Hope or use their planning to create your own content and supplement as needed with the files available from Door of Hope. The plans would include everything that you would need for a 1-hour program and would be fully editable so that you could adjust it to suit your needs. The files would all be available through a One Drive link. 

Their heart is to bless you and to equip churches so that they can disciple kids and families without spending undue time on planning. This gift would be available immediately (free of charge) as they realise the pressures all churches have faced this year and they want to support in any way that they can.

Please find attached an example of a session plan so that you can see what would be provided:

• Pre K - K
• Prep - Grade 2
• Grade 3 - 5

as well as a YouTube link to one of the sessions. 

We are incredibly grateful to Dorothy and the Door of Hope team for this very generous offer and commend the program to you and your staff/volunteers for your consideration.

If you are interested in this, please email Anna Nyhuis, CCVT Generations Consultant at anyhuis@churchesofchrist.org.au for more information. 

METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE - STAGE 4 KEY UPDATES

SUMMARY OF STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS - RELIGION AND CEREMONY

The Dept of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has a webpage dedicated to explaining the Stage 4 restrictions that relate to Religion and Ceremony. Bookmark this page: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/religion-and-ceremony-metropolitan-melbourne-covid-19

Victoria’s State of Emergency has been extended until 11.59pm on Sunday 13 September 2020.

Victoria's State of Disaster is in place until Sunday 13 September 2020. This gives police and emergency services more powers to make sure people comply with public health directions.

WHAT ARE THE PERMITTED ACTIVITIES WE CAN DO AT RUN AT THE CHURCH PROPERTY?

Places of worship may only open for:

• permitted funerals;
• broadcast of ceremonies (with a maximum of five people); or
• an essential public support service (such as a food bank or a service for homeless persons); or
• essential support groups (such as those related to alcohol and drugs, family violence and parenting), with a maximum of 10 people.

CAN A FAITH LEADER VISIT SOMEONE AT HOME FOR THEIR LAST RITES?

No. Under Stage 4 restrictions faith leaders cannot visit someone in their home for last rites or to perform other religious ceremonies in person. Last rites and religious ceremonies can be provided using video or livestreaming.

Please note that this does not mean you cannot provide this type of pastoral care; it just means you have to do it in a different way which limits physical contact and keeps people safer.  You can still be a blessing to individuals and families.  

CAN A FAITH LEADER VISIT SOMEONE AT A HOSPITAL/CARE FACILITY FOR THEIR LAST RITES?

Maybe! This one has changed multiple times and it may still be a bit confused, so best to check with the relevant facility before you attend.

According to the DHHS web page for restrictions on religion and ceremonies in metropolitan Melbourne, it is now a firm no, as under Stage 4 restrictions, faith leaders cannot visit someone in a hospital or care facility for last rites or to perform other religious ceremonies in person. Last rites and religious ceremonies can be provided using video or livestreaming.

Confusingly, according to the DHHS web page on visiting care facilities under the section “Who can visit people in care facilities?” it says yes, people can attend a hospital or aged care facility “for providing essential physical or emotional and social care that can’t be delivered by the care team or via electronic or non-contact means (and) … for attending a dying resident or providing end of life support to a resident of the facility.  

The DHHS webpage which outlines reasons to leave your house also defines caregiving and compassionate reasons as including “to visit someone in an aged care facility, disability accommodation or other residential care facility, provided you comply with the Care facilities direction” (and) “to visit someone in hospital, provided that visit conforms to the Hospital visitor direction”.

So, we can see that there may be a different answer to the question depending on who you are, how it is asked, and who is answering. Either way there are very strict limitations on who, how many, and when, a visit may take place in a hospital or aged care facility so if this type of pastoral support is requested, and cannot be delivered remotely via phone or video, please seek advice that is specific to your situation.  

The ultimate goal for these restrictions is to keep everyone safer by minimising our physical exposure to others as much as possible – let’s try to do our best to achieve that while also providing the love and care. The two are not mutually exclusive.

SECURITY AND PROPERTY ADVICE FROM VICTORIA POLICE

Considerations for Church Members Personal Safety & Premises Security as part of Escalation of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic:

With the evolving situation in regard to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Victoria Police continues to provide services to all of the community.

With this in mind we ask that Church Members consider the following in conjunction with the Victoria Police Business Security Kit information:

• Review of the premises physical security including all doors and windows.
• Removal of all cash and items of value including Laptops from the premises.
• Installation of a monitored security alarm system and surveillance cameras to deter offenders and assist police to identify offenders.
• Prominently display signs indicating the presence of a security system and other measures such as ‘No cash kept on premises’; CCTV constantly monitoring premises.’

Victoria Police will continue to work with you throughout this situation.

For information on the current coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, call the dedicated DHHS hotline on 1800 675 398.

For immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).

CAN I LEAVE HOME TO UNDERTAKE EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE OF A PROPERTY OTHER THAN MY PLACE OF RESIDENCE?

Yes, you may leave your home to undertake these duties, however, physical distancing should be maintained by keeping 1.5 metres between you and anyone else on site. You should keep your time at the property to a minimum and wear a face covering.

Emergency repairs are urgent repairs, which must be undertaken to keep members of the household safe, to prevent members of the household from injury, to prevent property damage or damage to goods, or for urgent repair to an essential service (for example a water connection or internet service).  

Routine maintenance like cleaning gutters or mowing a lawn are not permitted. 

CAN I PICK UP MAIL FROM THE POST OFFICE?

Yes, you can leave home to collect your mail from a post box or from a post office.

WHO ISSUES THE WORKER PERMITS?

Your church or agency must issue the worker permits for its staff and volunteers who are leaving their home for the permitted work activities (i.e. CCVT don’t issue them to Affiliates). 

Decide locally who can sign them on behalf of your organisation (e.g. operations manager, senior pastor, chair of the board, administrator, church secretary etc) and make sure that person is available to verify a permit is legitimate if required.  

You can find all the info regarding worker permits here.

REGIONAL VICTORIA - STAGE 3 KEY UPDATES

STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS

The Dept of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has a webpage dedicated to explaining the Stage 3 restrictions that relate to Religion and Ceremony. Bookmark this page: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/religion-and-ceremony-regional-victoria-covid-19

Victoria’s State of Emergency has been extended until 11.59pm on Sunday 13 September 2020.

Victoria's State of Disaster is in place until Sunday 13 September 2020. This gives police and emergency services more powers to make sure people comply with public health directions.

SECURITY AND PROPERTY ADVICE FROM VICTORIA POLICE

Considerations for Church Members Personal Safety & Premises Security as part of Escalation of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic:

With the evolving situation in regard to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Victoria Police continues to provide services to all of the community.

With this in mind we ask that Church Members consider the following in conjunction with the Victoria Police Business Security Kit information:

• Review of the premises physical security including all doors and windows.
• Removal of all cash and items of value including Laptops from the premises.
• Installation of a monitored security alarm system and surveillance cameras to deter offenders and assist police to identify offenders.
• Prominently display signs indicating the presence of a security system and other measures such as ‘No cash kept on premises’; CCTV constantly monitoring premises.’

Victoria Police will continue to work with you throughout this situation.

For information on the current coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, call the dedicated DHHS hotline on 1800 675 398.

For immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).

DO WE NEED A WORKER PERMIT UNDER STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS?

No, this only applies to those staff and volunteers who are under Stage 4 restrictions.  

ARE PLACES OF WORSHIP OPEN?

Under stage 3 restrictions, all places of worship of all denominations are closed for private worship or religious ceremonies.  You can use the property for the following events only:

• Ceremonies and services can still be recorded or broadcast live from the place of worship for viewing online. Those who are necessary to conduct the ceremony may be on site to record and live stream services, however this is limited to a maximum of five people. You should ensure those people wear a face covering and maintain physical distancing by keeping at least 1.5 metres between each other at all times.
• Places of worship may be opened for the purposes of conducting weddings or funerals, but there are strict limits on the number of people who can attend.
• Places of worship can continue to be open for essential public support services such as food banks, help for the homeless or other essential activities. Face coverings must be worn and appropriate physical distancing is maintained by keeping at least 1.5 metres between everyone at all times.

(Source: DHHS)

TASMANIA – KEY UPDATES

STATE OF EMERGENCY EXTENDED

Premier Peter Gutwein has announced that Tasmania’s State of Emergency has been extended until 26 October 2020 to protect against the threat of a COVID-19 emergency occurring in Tasmania. This will also allow further time to review the ongoing threat posed to Tasmania, particularly from Victoria but also other states. At the end of October, they will conduct a review for the appropriate course of action dependent on the situation at that time as we move towards 1 December - the date we will look to relax our borders. See the full statement here.

Nothing else has really changed so…as you were!

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

(Your reward for scrolling all the way to the bottom of this email!)

STAY UP TO DATE

There is a reason we direct you to formal websites rather than news articles or media. Learn facts - not opinions: 

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic) Ph: Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria Ph: 1800 136 089 (Mon-Fri)
• Business Victoria Ph: 13 22 15

You can find all previous Coronavirus and Churches of Christ emails and many of the resources on our website: www.churchesofchrist.org.au/home/coronavirus/coronavirus-updates.   

Please note that the advice has changed significantly as the situation has evolved, but many of the resources are still appropriate and we welcome any suggestions or feedback.

Today’s update focuses on some of the frequently asked questions that have been coming in.  

The advice given to us by the DHHS and Business Victoria is updated frequently as various organisations seek clarification on particular scenarios. Please ask as many questions as you need to, as it helps form their advice to us and all the other faith communities who are trying to do the right thing in implementing the current restrictions.  The advice from the Tassie Health Dept doesn’t update quite as frequently thank goodness!

One of the great blessings of being part of a really diverse movement of churches and agencies is that we can share our resources and learn from each other’s experiences.  This is why we encourage you all the share your stories, ideas, and questions about ministry during a pandemic – it is such a great way to inspire and encourage each other but it is also a way to work smarter not harder.  

Speaking of NOT working smarter, please note that my previous email had a typo in the email address (☹) so if you sent your COVID Safe Plan or an enquiry in over the last week and did not get a response, please resend it to safeplaces@churchesofchrist.org.au.   

GENERAL UPDATES TO ALL CCVT AFFILIATES

SHARING OUR COVID SAFE PLANS

CCVT encourages all Affiliates to share their COVID Safe Plans to assist each other in implementing practical and contextual safeguarding measures. It doesn’t matter where we are geographically located, or which templates you have used, each of our churches and agencies are working towards the same goal.    

Part of the planning process is to keep reviewing and updating, so it’s ok if yours isn’t perfect yet!

If you are happy to make your plan available to other Affiliates, or would like to see some other samples, please email safeplaces@churchesofchrist.org.au.   

Feel free to de-identify them if preferred.

TRANSLATED RESOURCES

Please keep ensuring you are circulating the most up to date COVID-19 information in the languages used within your local community.

Victorian translated resources

Tasmanian translated resources

FACE COVERINGS 

Tassie Affiliates are not required to wear face coverings but are invited to do so in solidarity with their Victorian brethren!  Quite frankly, not wearing a face mask is soooo last year….

All Victorians must wear a face covering when leaving home unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so. More information is available on the DHHS website and here is a training video on safely putting face masks on and taking them off. 

You can buy face masks online, or follow these instructions on how to make you own face mask, or contact one of the following churches who are producing a gorgeous array of cloth masks that will keep even the most fashion conscious happy!

TO AGM OR NOT AGM?

Many Affiliates have postponed their 2020 AGM, but it may still be a while before we return to normal meetings so please consider your ability to have an online meeting via video or phone conference. 

If your organisation is considering this, read some tips for holding meetings remotely to assist.

If you are unable to hold your meeting at this time due to government requirements on physical distancing, the ACNC recommends you:

• advise or consult with members on the reasons for the postponement
• document the reason why the meeting did not occur or could not occur digitally
• use alternative ways to communicate the information that it would have provided at that meeting to members
• schedule a future date for the meeting (even if this has to be amended again later).

Most church constitution don’t unequivocally state that attendees must be physically in the room, but you should check the requirements and word your advice to members accordingly.

Sick of reading and just want to watch and listen? Check out this webinar on AGMs in a Time of Social Isolation.

Source: https://communitydirectors.com.au/help-sheets/agm-during-covid-19

A MESSAGE FROM CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN WA

All of us in WA are sending you our thoughts and prayers. One of our churches had a planned celebration for most of our restrictions being lifted. They have postponed it saying, “how can we celebrate when our ‘family’ are doing it tough in Victoria” and specifically prayed for those in Victoria. 

So please be assured of our prayers and thoughts for you. 

God’s peace, wisdom and strength,

John Hutchinson (Interim Executive Minister)
Churches of Christ in WA

RECORD KEEPING

To support contact tracing, churches and agencies must request that each person who attends the premises for more than 15 minutes (including staff) provide:

• First name
• Phone number
• Date and time at which the person attended the facility

Pens used to record details should be wiped with an alcohol wipe between users.

Records can be kept electronically or in hard copy. Records should be kept for 28 days in Vic and 21 days in Tas. 

The record keeping requirement applies to all persons attending a facility or venue for longer than 15 minutes, which may include staff, customers, maintenance and delivery workers. 

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE - A STAGE 3.9999999 AND 3/4 MELBOURNE WEDDING!

Congratulations to Cameron & April who were married by CCVT Pst Lou Di Lorenzo, Associate Pastor Families for CrossCulture Church of Christ. 

They had been waiting to get married since April, so Lou married them at Albert Park Baptist Church less than 12 hours before the Stage 4 ban on weddings came into effect in metro Melbourne!

METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE - STAGE 4 KEY UPDATES

SUMMARY OF STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS - RELIGION AND CEREMONY

If you live in metropolitan Melbourne:

• You cannot travel to a wedding outside of metropolitan Melbourne.
• You cannot book or hold a wedding within or outside metropolitan Melbourne, even if it has previously been booked.
• Places of religion and worship must close for both religious ceremonies and private worship, but those who are necessary to stream a service can attend for these purposes. This is limited to up to five people.
• Funerals held in metropolitan Melbourne will be limited to 10 mourners plus those required to conduct the funeral. You can travel to a funeral outside of metropolitan Melbourne.
• You must maintain your physical distance of 1.5 metres from others and wear a face covering.

The Dept of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has a webpage dedicated to explaining the Stage 4 restrictions that relate to Religion and Ceremony. Bookmark this page: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/religion-and-ceremony-metropolitan-melbourne-covid-19

ALLOWABLE ACTIVITIES

Your church/agency can only conduct a limited number of events/activities on-site:

• conduct a funeral (10 mourner plus those required to conduct the funeral)
• run an essential public support service such as food banks, help for the homeless or other essential activities (limited to those required to conduct the activity)
• broadcast a church service (maximum 5 people on site)

Please ensure a face covering is worn and appropriate physical distancing is maintained by keeping at least 1.5 metres between everyone at all times unless an exemption applies.

PERMITTED WORKER SCHEME FOR METRO MELBOURNE

All church workers who are leaving their home for church/agency work must be issued a work permit by your organisation - this is the employer’s responsibility. 

Download the Permitted worker permit (Word).  If you are not sure if you need one, err on the side of caution and get it.

CAN I GO TO THE CHURCH TO MAKE IT SECURE?

Yes, and it is important to make sure your church/agency property secure as we have seen an increase in burglaries.  Please ensure that musical equipment, laptops, data projectors, cash and other valuables are removed from the property.  Check that storage sheds and external doors are also secure.  

You must issue a Workers Permit to whoever is going to the church for this purpose.

CAN I PICK UP THE MAIL FROM THE POST OFFICE BOX?

Yes, it is considered to be one of the “necessary goods and services” that you are allowed to leave home for between 5am-8pm. Please ensure that a Workers Permit has been issued.

CAN I PICK UP THE MAIL FROM THE CHURCH LETTERBOX?

Yes, please ensure that a Workers Permit has been issued.

CAN A FAITH LEADER VISIT A RESIDENT AT A CARE FACILITY TO PROVIDE SUPPORT?

Yes, you can visit a person in a care facility to provide support to a dying person or providing essential care and support necessary for the patient’s physical, emotional or social wellbeing that cannot be delivered by the health service care team or via electronic or means. 

You will also need to meet the limits and requirements of the facility itself, which may vary. Please check the requirements with the facility concerned.  Worker Permit must be issued.

EMPLOYERS MUST NOTIFY WORKSAFE VICTORIA IF AN EMPLOYEE RECEIVES A POSITIVE COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS

Short-cut summary version: If someone at your church/agency gets COVID-19 tell WorkSafe immediately.

Medium level of interest version: From 29 July 2020, Victorian organisations are required to notify WorkSafe immediately if an employee has a confirmed coronavirus diagnosis and had attended the workplace within the infectious period. This includes people who are self-employed and contractors who may have attended a worksite during their infectious period. It doesn’t apply if that person has been working from home the whole time. The requirement will be in force for 12 months.  

Deep dive explanation for the devout: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/notifiable-incidents-involving-coronavirus-covid-19

WE HAVE LESS THAN 5 WORKERS – ARE WE STILL REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A COVID SAFE PLAN?

A COVID Safe Plan is not required for organisation with less than 5 workers BUT please note that “workers” includes both paid staff and volunteers, so it’s not the loophole you might have hoped for once you count your employees, board members, volunteer leaders, etc! 

Even if you really do have less than 5, it is recommended to do a plan anyway.

REGIONAL VICTORIA - STAGE 3 KEY UPDATES

STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS

The Dept of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has a webpage dedicated to explaining the Stage 3 restrictions that relate to Religion and Ceremony. Bookmark this page: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/religion-and-ceremony-regional-victoria-covid-19

ARE WE REQUIRED TO HAVE A COVID SAFE PLAN IN REGIONAL VICTORIA?

No, but COVID Safe Plans are strongly recommended for all Affiliates regardless of size, activities or geographical location.  It is not hard to do, and it is anticipated that you will be required to do it soon anyway, so get a head start. 

ARE WE REQUIRED TO ISSUE WORKER PERMITS IN REGIONAL VICTORIA?

No.  This does not apply to you.  You should stay at home unless you need to go out for one the 4 allowed reasons.

CAN WE MEET IN SMALL GROUPS AT A HOME?

No. You cannot have social visitors to your home 

There are only four reasons to leave home – shopping for necessary goods or services, care or caregiving, exercise or outdoor recreation, and work and education if you can’t work or study from home. Otherwise, you must stay home  

If you are leaving home for one of the four reasons, you can only undertake activities in public places with one other person or the members of your household 

You cannot make social visits to friends and family.

CAN A FAITH LEADER VISIT A RESIDENT AT A CARE FACILITY TO PROVIDE SUPPORT?

Yes, you can visit a person in a care facility to provide support to a dying person or providing essential care and support necessary for the patient’s physical, emotional or social wellbeing that cannot be delivered by the health service care team or via electronic or means. 

You will also need to meet the limits and requirements of the facility itself, which may vary. Please check the requirements with the facility concerned

TASMANIA – KEY UPDATES

STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS

The Tas Govt has a webpage dedicated to explaining the Stage 3 restrictions that relate to the current restrictions in Tasmania. Bookmark this page: https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/families-community/current-restrictions

Recently much of the focus has been on our Victorian situation, but let’s remember the hard work being done in Tassie as well.  The restrictions may be lighter, but many of our ministries are still impacted. 

• You are encouraged to continue to work from home if it works for you and your employer. For example, office workers should be encouraged to work from home to help with physical distancing measures and limit the contact between people.
• Gatherings at households – including shacks – are limited to up to 20 people at any one time, not including residents of the household. You should not visit others or have visitors to your home if you are unwell.
• Gatherings are limited by a maximum density limit. The maximum density limit aims to prevent the crowding of people in a space. A premises must not have a density of more than 1 person per 2 square metres of floor space. This means an operator must not allow people to enter or stay on the premises (indoor or outdoor) if the size of the premises is insufficient to allow for 2 square metres of space for each person. 
• As part of the ‘Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania’ plan, all workplaces are required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan that complies with minimum COVID-19 safety standards. The Direction for COVID-19 Workplace Plans sets the minimum standards for workplaces to be COVID Safe. Your Safety Plan is a great way to show how you are keeping your participants, your workers and your community safe.  See the WorkSafe Tas Guidelines for Weddings and Religious Services . Other industry templates and guides may also be useful to you depending on the types of ministries being run. Check out the full list here.

MINIMUM STANDARDS

The Director of Public Health has issued a Public Health Direction to manage the threat to public health posed by the spread of COVID 19 in workplaces. The Direction sets out the minimum standards that businesses need to meet to manage the risk of COVID19 spreading and protect both workers and customers. Tassie Affiliates must implement measures to achieve the minimum standards and must also document these measures – this forms your COVID Safety Plan and it is a great way for you to document measures and show how you are keeping your community safe.

The new minimum standards require a workplace to:

• manage the risks of a person contracting or spreading COVID-19 in the workplace
• implement and maintain a cleaning schedule across the workplace
• have good hygiene procedures and practices (such as washing and/or sanitising of hands)
• ensure workers who have been instructed to quarantine or self-isolate don’t come to the workplace
• make sure physical distancing requirements are met by workers, contractors and others entering, leaving or moving around the workplace.
• provide information, training and supervision on how the risks of COVID-19 are to be managed and ensure all processes and procedures are applied by the workers.
• provide information and instruction to other people who attend the workplace about how they are to comply with your processes and procedures, and make sure they apply them
• all information, recommendations, directions and guidance materials relevant to the workplace (obtained from reputable sources) is reviewed regularly to ensure the control measures implemented are appropriate
• entry into the workplace is managed and controlled in a reasonable manner if someone is suspected of showing symptoms of COVID-19, or of being exposed to COVID-19 within the preceding 14 days, or being diagnosed with COVID-19
• any workplace records that would assist with notifying people who enter/leave the workplace of any potential exposure to COVID-19 must be kept for at least 21 days.

Employers must ensure that the above measures remove or reduce the risk posed by COVID-19 as far as is reasonably practicable and those measures are recorded in writing.

WorkSafe Tasmania has also developed templates to help small and medium businesses to prepare their COVID Safety Plans. Keep your completed plans/checklist at your workplace: you do not need to submit them to WorkSafe

RECORD KEEPING

While not mandatory, any records your workplace can practically keep on the flow of people into the workplace will assist public health authorities should there be a positive case identified within your workplace. 

Consider how records are kept on people in the workplace each day to support contact tracing if there is a positive case in your workplace. 

If possible, collect contact details, such as phone numbers given at the time of making bookings or upon entry to the facility. All such records should be kept for a minimum of 21 days.

CAN A FAITH LEADER VISIT A RESIDENT AT A CARE FACILITY TO PROVIDE SUPPORT?

In Tasmania, visits to residential aged care facilities are permitted for people providing care and support, with the following restrictions:

• No more than two people can visit each resident at any time.
• Visits must take place in the resident’s room, outdoors, or in a non-communal area, as designated by the facility.
• Visitors must not have any symptoms of acute respiratory infection, including fever (higher than 37.5 degrees), history of fever (e.g. chills, night sweats), cough, sore throat, runny nose or shortness of breath.
• Visitors must not have been interstate or overseas in the previous 14 days.
• Visitors must not have had contact with anyone known to have COVID-19, or reasonably suspected of having COVID-19, within the previous 14 days (except as part of their employment while wearing effective personal protective equipment).
• All visitors must have had the 2020 influenza vaccine.

People wanting to visit an aged care facility to provide end-of-life support as a significant person to a resident can seek exemption from restrictions 4–6 above. Any person seeking an exemption must apply by email to covid.response@health.tas.gov.au detailing who they seek to visit, when and why.

STAY UP TO DATE

There is a reason we direct you to formal websites rather than news articles or media. Learn facts - not opinions: 

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic) Ph: Victorian Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 
• Dept of Health (Tas) Ph: Tasmanian Public Health Hotline 1800 671 738
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria Ph: 1800 136 089 (Mon-Fri)
• Business Victoria Ph: 13 22 15

You can find all previous Coronavirus and Churches of Christ emails and many of the resources on our website: www.churchesofchrist.org.au/home/coronavirus/coronavirus-updates.   

Please note that the advice has changed significantly as the situation has evolved, but many of the resources are still appropriate and we welcome any suggestions or feedback.

Dear CCVT Affiliates,

What a roller coaster of a week! Thank you for all the positive encouragement as we sort through all the restrictions and work out how to run ministry safely within them.

There are some activities and jobs that we simply cannot do at this time, no matter how valuable it is, but for now we must put them on hiatus.   

Even under Stage 3 and Stage 4, there are still many ways to care for people, worship together, and keep sharing the love of Jesus with our community – we just need to think a little bit more strategically about we do it.  I don’t mean looking for loopholes - I mean finding safer alternatives and ways to achieve the same goal, even if it looks a bit different for a season!  It is important top keep up to date with the latest advice as it is constantly being amended.  

I draw your attention to some important changes below, particularly in relation to providing care:

METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE - STAGE 4 KEY UPDATES

STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS

If you live in metropolitan Melbourne, Stage 4 restrictions apply.

As much as you can, you must stay at home. When you leave home, you must use a face covering, unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so.

You can read all about the joys of Stage 4 here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/stage-4-restrictions-covid-19. More info gets added all the time so keep checking back.

WHAT PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES ARE WE ALLOWED TO DO AT CHURCH?

Under the Stage 4 restrictions, only Permitted Work Premises may operate with on-site operations during the restricted activity period in the Restricted Area, and only to the extent permitted. 

Places of Worship are currently only allowed to operate for “permitted funerals, hosting an essential public support service, broadcast (with restrictions)”

(Source: Permitted Work Premises List for the purposes of the Restricted Activity Directions (Restricted Area) (No 6), effective as at 5 August 2020 from 11.59pm (version 1.0).)

Permitted funerals = Funerals are limited to 10 people

Hosting an essential public support service = Food banks, soup kitchens, and homelessness services (although we anticipate further examples may be added)

Broadcast (with restrictions) = Broadcasting church services is permitted. A maximum of 5 people can attend the church to conduct and broadcast the service – this includes everyone involved in the production of the service.

Please note, the Permitted Work Premises List is expected to be updated and amended. We will endeavour to keep you informed of the changes that affect churches and agencies.  Please ensure you are looking at the latest version of the list when considering if your activity meets the criteria.

COVID SAFE PLAN

All Affiliates who are operating under Stage 4 restriction MUST have a COVID Safe Plan focused on safety, prevention and response in the event that coronavirus is linked to the workplace.  

This is required to be completed by 11:59pm on Friday 7th August 2020. Failure to comply could result in an on the spot fine of up $9,913 and up to $20,000 for serious offences.

CCVT encourages all Victorian and Tasmanian Affiliates to have a COVID Safe Plan regardless of location, size, or activities being undertaken.

Your COVIDSafe Plan must set out:

• Your actions to help prevent the introduction of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace
• The level of face-covering or personal protective equipment (PPE) required for your workforce
• How you will prepare for, and respond to, a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace
• This plan must demonstrate how you will meet all of the requirements set out by the Victorian Government. Some higher-risk industries or workplaces have additional requirements of employers and employees.

Religious services and places of worship fit under the “other services” category when looking at the templates.  For more information, see the COVID Safe FAQ page or the Business Victoria website and hotline provide information on restrictions and support to help your workplace plan and respond to coronavirus (COVID-19). Call Business Victoria on 13 22 15.

Click on the following for a COVID Safe Plan template, Guidance Sheet, and a Workplace Attendance register.  

PERMITTED WORKER SCHEME FOR METRO MELBOURNE

All church workers (paid or unpaid) must work from home unless they are attending the church/agency to conduct a funeral, run an essential public support service, or broadcast a church service. No other activities or work reasons work meets the definition of allowable on-site activities. 

All Workers who are leaving their home for church/agency work must be issued a work permit by your organisation - this is the employer’s responsibility. 

Pastors/Ministers of Religion are not considered “essential workers” and therefore must only be issued a work permit by your organisation if they will be leaving their home for the allowed work purposes.  

Download the Permitted worker permit (Word).

WHAT ARE THE ‘CARE OR COMPASSIONATE REASONS’ FOR BEING ABLE TO LEAVE MY HOME? 

Under Stage 4 restrictions you may leave your home for any of the following personal reasons:

• to visit a doctor or other health professional or care service, or to obtain medical supplies
• to donate blood
• if you have shared parenting obligations and need to transport children between homes, under an informal or court-ordered arrangement
• to provide child-minding services at someone’s home because that person is a permitted worker and doesn’t have anyone else in the household who can supervise their children
• if you are the parent or guardian of a child and you wish to visit the child because they are in the care of another person or organisation, or you have obligations in relation to the care and support of the child
• to provide childcare or early childhood education or schooling to a child who lives in the care of the State or family or family violence service
• if you have carer responsibilities, for example, picking up or dropping off children in a foster care or respite care arrangement
• to drop off or pick up a child at personal or private childcare, early childhood education facility or school, as permitted
• to provide care and support to a relative or other person – such as shopping, cooking or house-cleaning – because of their old age, infirmity, disability, sickness or chronic health condition, they are pregnant or have health or mental health concerns
• to visit someone in an aged care facility, disability accommodation or other residential care facility, provided you comply with the Care facilities direction
• to visit someone in hospital, provided that visit conforms to the Hospital visitor direction
• if there is family violence, or violence by another person in the home, and you are at risk. If you are stopped by police, tell them you are feeling unsafe at home and they will help you. Safe accommodation and support for family violence is available. Call safe steps on 1800 015 188 or email safesteps@safesteps.org.au for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

(Source: DHHS)

I AM CARING FOR AN ELDERLY PARENT/FRIEND WHO LIVES ALONE. CAN I VISIT THEM TO PROVIDE CARE?

Yes. You can visit to provide care, but you should not be visiting your elderly parent or friend for a social visit. This is not one of the permitted reasons to leave home. You should keep in touch by calling, using social media or video calls.

Ministers/Pastoral Carers should conduct pastoral care online or over the phone as much as possible – it is essential that we reduce physical contact with one another in order to stop the spread of infection.  No one is happy about it; no one thinks it is going to produce the same level of quality care; and no one intends this to be the permanent way we do it.  But - it is important that we do it this way, for this season, for the greater good.

• If you are preparing meals or providing other help for an elderly person, be mindful of the risks of transmitting coronavirus (COVID-19). Older people and those with chronic illness are especially vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19).
• If you are delivering meals, think about leaving a package on their doorstep without making physical contact. 
• Do not visit if you are unwell. 
• You must maintain physical distancing by keeping at least 1.5 metres distance between yourself and others and practice good hygiene at all times.
• Wear your mask/face covering.
• If you are doing cleaning chores or other housework, think about having them sit somewhere comfortable away from you while you work, so you are not in close contact.
• Make sure they are feeling well and ask them if they have enough of their regular medications whenever you visit. 
• If you are concerned about a person in your faith community, please ensure that your visit meets the allowed criteria for leaving your home. For church workers doing visitation as part of their role, this will mean you are required to have work permit.
• It is also important to consider other ways that person can access the support they need in a way that does not require you or them to leave home, e.g. helping set up home delivery of groceries, telehealth appointments etc.  If you are the only person providing care, then set up a wider support network.  

CAN MINISTERS VISIT PEOPLE IN HOSPITAL FOR END OF LIFE PASTORAL CARE?

Yes, but make sure you have your workers permit with you and comply with the requirements of the facility you are visiting.

ARE WE ALLOWED TO DROP OFF FOOD/MEALS TO PEOPLE’S HOMES AS PART OF OUR FOOD PROGRAM?

• Yes, but you will require a workers permit to undertake this role.  
• The 5km limit doesn’t apply to workers, so you may deliver to people further than 5km away from the church/agency, but anyone from the community coming to youmust not leave the 5km radius from their house.
• You must keep a record of every location that is visited.
• If you are delivering meals, think about leaving a package on their doorstep without making physical contact.

CAN I GO TO THE CHURCH TO DO ROUTINE MAINTENANCE?

No. For the next 6 weeks, only emergency safety maintenance is allowed. Mowing lawns, basic church upkeep etc cannot be undertaken. Put your feet up because no one is looking at it anyway – we’re all at home. 

IS A PASTOR'S RESIDENCE CONSIDERED 'PLACE OF WORSHIP' FOR SUNDAY SERVICE RECORDING PURPOSES  (CAN OTHER WORKER’S GO TO THE HOME TO BROADCAST?)

Not currently, and it is not recommended.  

5KM LIMIT

You can only travel up to 5km from your home for shopping and exercise. Use this handy map tool to see how far away you can get from your loved ones. The 5km limit does not apply to those who are going to work. 

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS AND HOW IT RELATES TO YOUR MINISTRY, PLEASE EMAIL safeplaces@churchesofchrist.org.au.

REGIONAL VICTORIA - STAGE 3 KEY UPDATES

STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS

From 5 August 2020, Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions apply everywhere in Victoria except metropolitan Melbourne (where Stage 4 restrictions apply). 

If you live in regional Victoria, including Mitchell Shire, there are only four reasons that you can leave home:

• to shop for food and essential goods or services
• to provide care, for compassionate reasons, or to seek medical treatment
• to exercise or for outdoor recreation with your household, or one other person
• for work or study, if you can’t do it from home

If you can work from home, you must do so. However, if you cannot do your work from home, you can go to work.  This includes both paid staff and volunteers.

You must wear a face covering when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so. Even while wearing a face covering, you should keep at least 1.5 metres distance between yourself and others.

Home visitation by pastoral carers can only be conducted under “compassionate reasons” but please ensure that this is done only when no other option is available.  Social distancing, contactless delivery of food/goods, and safe hygiene must be adhered to.  

(Source: Stay At Home Directions)

COVID SAFE PLAN

CCVT encourages all Victorian and Tasmanian Affiliates to have a COVID Safe Plan regardless of location, size, or activities being undertaken.

Your COVIDSafe Plan must set out:

• Your actions to help prevent the introduction of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace
• The level of face-covering or personal protective equipment (PPE) required for your workforce
• How you will prepare for, and respond to, a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace
• This plan must demonstrate how you will meet all of the requirements set out by the Victorian Government. Some higher-risk industries or workplaces have additional requirements of employers and employees.

Religious services and places of worship fit under the “other services” category when looking at the templates.  For more information, see the COVID Safe FAQ page or the Business Victoria website and hotline provide information on restrictions and support to help your workplace plan and respond to coronavirus (COVID-19). Call Business Victoria on 13 22 15.

Click on the following for a COVID Safe Plan template, Guidance Sheet, and a Workplace Attendance register.  

WEDDINGS

Weddings are limited to a maximum of 5 people (marrying couple, x1 celebrant, x2 witnesses).

FUNERALS

Funerals are limited to 10 people plus the people required to run the funeral.

BROADCASTING CHURCH SERVICES

Broadcasting church services is permitted. A maximum of 5 people can attend the church to conduct and broadcast the service – this includes everyone involved in the production of the service.  Please see the links below to assist Ministers in upskilling for online ministry!

BAPTISMS

Baptism services occurring as part of a broadcasted church service must still be within the 5 person limit – please give consideration as to whether the baptism must be done at the church – if it can be done at home it should be done at home.

HOME VISITATION

You may no longer have visitors to your home or visit other people in their homes.  The exception to this is where you are providing care or for compassionate reasons.  For the most part, simple social visits as pastoral care does not fit this definition.

Many people consider themselves to be caregiving when they are in fact just having a cuppa and socialising (this is still important, but unfortunately its not allowed. Please be mindful that just because you are a Minister, work at a church, or consider yourself to be pastorally caring for someone, doesn’t mean you meet definition outlined in the Directions. Unless you meet the definition below, you may be fined by Victoria Police.

Affiliates are encouraged to provide pastoral care in ways that do not put yourself or others at risk, focusing on communicating online, via phone, letters, etc.  Face-to-face pastoral ministry is to be avoided unless it accompanies one of the legitimate exemptions.  

Keep these aims in mind:

• Reduce the amount of people travelling outside their homes
• Reduce the amount of time spent outside the home
• Exchange of goods/services should be as contactless as possible (e.g. takeaway meals instead of sit-down meals, deliver meals to doors and leave not deliver them to the fridge and stop and talk)

CAN OUR FOODBANK/SOUP KITCHEN TEAM CAN STILL PREPARE MEALS AT THE CHURCH AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE?

Yes, and please make sure you put a COVID Safe Plan together that incorporates all the locations that may be used in the running of these programs and keep a log of all delivery locations.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS AND HOW IT RELATES TO YOUR MINISTRY, PLEASE EMAIL safeplaces@churchesofchrist.org.au.

FACE COVERINGS 

All Victorians must wear a face covering when leaving home unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so. 

Horsham Church of Christ are selling masks for $5 to raise money for the Christian Emergency Food Centre. 

Call 03 5382 3877 or email office@horsham.org.au to order. 

BUSINESS SUPPORT FUND - EXPANSION

The Victorian State Government has established the Business Support Fund – Expansion program and you may be eligible if you meet the requirements.

Businesses within metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire that are affected by the return to Stay at Home restrictions may be eligible for a one-off $5,000 grant under this program.

Applications will close on Wednesday 19 August 2020 and the application process requires a number of steps, so please action as a matter of priority.

Details are available and applications are made via the Business Victoria webpage.

For any specific queries not addressed in the above webpage or its FAQ’s, please speak with a qualified Chartered Accountant, Tax or BAS Agent.

Alternatively, please email CCVT Finance Manager Kevin Pang (kpang@churchesofchrist.org.au) or call the team on 03 9488 8800. 

If your CCVT-affiliated church or agency is experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID19, the financial relief initiatives communicated on the 21 April 2020 remains available (see attached letter). Please reach out for a discussion on ways we may provide assistance. 

RECORDED RESOURCES FOR MINISTERS

The following recordings are from recent Ministry Clusters and Ministry Boosters run by CCVT for our accredited Ministers.  We are making them available to the wider movement, hoping that they can be used by our colleagues in ministry as an encouragement and opportunity for professional development in these challenging times!

• 10 Aptitudes for Resilience - CCVT Ministry Cluster - Tim Dyer  
• Face to Camera Masterclass - Matt Destry (Discovery Church)
• Preaching Workshop - Audio File Part 1 - Matt & Jody Destry (Discovery Church)
• Preaching Workshop - Audio File Part 2 - Matt & Jody Destry (Discovery Church)
• Video Recording Your Sermons at Home - Rob Nyhuis (CCVT Executive Officer)

STAY UP TO DATE

There is a reason we direct you to formal websites rather than news articles or media. Learn facts - not opinions: 

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic)
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria Ph: 1800 136 089 (Mon-Fri)
• Business Victoria Ph: 13 22 15

You can find all previous Coronavirus and Churches of Christ emails and many of the resources on our website: www.churchesofchrist.org.au/home/coronavirus/coronavirus-updates.   

Please note that the advice has changed significantly over the months as the situation has evolved, but many of the resources are still appropriate and we welcome any suggestions or feedback.

Dear CCVT Affiliates,

Thank you for your patience this week while we have tried to obtain clear answers to the many questions we have about how the Stage 3 and Stage 4 restrictions affect our Victorian Churches and Agencies.

Honestly, this has been one is the more complicated updates to write, so I am glad you’re all such a forgiving bunch for when I don’t get quite right!

The information below as sourced from the DHHS website (which is yet to be updated to accommodate many of the new restrictions), via consultation with the DHHS, and Business Victoria.  

Further clarification is still coming through as the Victorian Government sorts out the practicalities and nuances of the restrictions and how they apply in real life.

We are all just trying to do the right thing and keep everyone safe, so let’s all remain patient and, as a wise colleague once said, look beyond what we can’t do and think about what we can do!

KEY UPDATES FOR METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE

STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS

• Stage 4 restrictions are in place as of 6pm on 2 August 2020 until 11.59pm on 13 September 2020.
• From 5am to 8pm, you can only leave home to shop for necessary goods and services; 1 hour of exercise; care and health care; and work, if it can’t be done from home.
• A curfew is in place from 8pm to 5am every evening. During this time, you can only leave home for work, and essential health, care or safety reasons.
• You can only travel up to 5km from your home for shopping and exercise. Here is a handy map tool. The 5km limit does not apply to those who are going to work.
• Shopping is limited to one person per household, once per day. A 5km limit applies.

WEDDINGS

Weddings are not permitted in Melbourne except under compassionate grounds. You cannot leave metropolitan Melbourne to get married in another part of Victoria. People who live in metropolitan Melbourne cannot travel to attend weddings held outside of this area.

FUNERALS

Funerals are limited to 10 people (please seek further advice regarding how this fits with the permitted worker scheme if a funeral is to be conducted – its one of the areas that still requires clarification from DHHS) 

HOME VISITATION

Home visitation by ministers/pastoral carers is not permitted (pastoral care does not meet the definition of “care and health care” under Stage 4 restrictions).

BROADCASTING CHURCH SERVICES

Broadcasting church services is permitted. A maximum of 5 people can attend the church to conduct and broadcast the service – this includes everyone involved in the production of the service.

PERMITTED WORKER SCHEME FOR METRO MELBOURNE

From 11:59pm Wednesday 5 August 2020, the Permitted Worker Scheme requires all workplaces in Melbourne to be closed unless:

• the workplace is part of a permitted activity, or
• all employees are working from home.

Therefore, under Stage 4, all Places of Worship in metro Melbourne are now closed for on-site activities except for the broadcast of religious ceremonies with a maximum of 5 people, or for community purposes (e.g. foodbank, soup kitchens) (see bottom right of p.7 of attached pdf). 

No other activities or work meets the definition of allowable on-site activities. This means that all church administrative work must be done at home including preparation of services, pastoral care, church admin etc.  It is the current understanding that staff cannot work in the church office or on the church property for any purpose other than broadcasting or running the foodbank/soup kitchen program.  

We have sought further clarification on how this applies given that funerals are still allowed to be conducted. Stay tuned!

Employers that require their staff to attend a work site (church property or other) must issue a worker permit to their employees – this is the employer’s responsibility.  Download the Permitted worker permit (Word) or see the attached document.

• Workers (paid or unpaid) attending the broadcasting or foodbank/soup kitchen purposes on-site must be issued a work permit by your organisation.
• Workers must carry the worker permit and should carry photo identification when travelling to and from the workplace.
• A worker permit can be shown electronically to authorities such as a photo, or scanned copy, on a mobile device.
• Pastors/Ministers of Religion are not considered “essential workers” therefore must only be issued a work permit by your organisation if they will be leaving their home for the allowed work purposes.  
• If you have a funeral or another event that requires attendance at the church property, please contact the COVID19 Hotline for advice.

COVID SAFE PLAN

From 11:59pm on Friday 7 August 2020 all employers that require their staff to attend a work site must implement their COVID Safe Plan focused on safety, prevention and response in the event that coronavirus is linked to the workplace.

Religious services and places of worship fit under the “other services” category when looking at the templates (see attached).  

Affiliates who run community services such as food banks where multiple locations are involved, should adopt contactless delivery, aim for minimal travel/movement of staff between locations, and ensure that a log is kept of the locations that workers have been attending/working.

For more information, see the COVID Safe FAQ page.  

The Business Victoria website and hotline provide information on restrictions and support to help your workplace plan and respond to coronavirus (COVID-19). Call Business Victoria on 13 22 15.

CCVT encourages all Affiliates to put together a COVID Safe Plan whether legally required or not. 

FACE COVERINGS 

All Victorians must wear a face covering when leaving home unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so. Even while wearing a face covering, you should keep at least 1.5 metres distance between yourself and others. More information on face masks and coverings is available on the DHHS website.

KEY UPDATES FOR REGIONAL VICTORIA INCLUDING MITCHELL SHIRE, GREATER GEELONG, SURF COAST, QUEENSCLIFFE, COLAC OTWAY, GOLDEN PLAINS, & MOORABOOL

STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS

From 11:59pm on Wednesday 5 August 2020, Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions apply everywhere in Victoria except metropolitan Melbourne (where Stage 4 restrictions apply). 

If you live in regional Victoria, including Mitchell Shire, there are only four reasons that you can leave home:

• to shop for food and essential goods or services
• to provide care, for compassionate reasons, or to seek medical treatment
• to exercise or for outdoor recreation with your household, or one other person
• for work or study, if you can’t do it from home

If you can work from home, you must do so. However, if you cannot do your work from home, you can go to work.  This includes both paid staff and volunteers.

You must wear a face covering when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so. Even while wearing a face covering, you should keep at least 1.5 metres distance between yourself and others.

Home visitation by pastoral carers can only be conducted under “compassionate reasons” but please ensure that this is done only when no other option is available.  Social distancing, contactless delivery of food/goods, and safe hygiene must be adhered to.  

WEDDINGS

Weddings are limited to a maximum of 5 people (marrying couple, celebrant, x2 witnesses).

FUNERALS

Funerals are limited to 10 people plus the people required to run the funeral.

BROADCASTING CHURCH SERVICES

Broadcasting church services is permitted. A maximum of 5 people can attend the church to conduct and broadcast the service – this includes everyone involved in the production of the service.

HOME VISITATION

You may no longer have visitors to your home or visit other people in their homes.  The exception to this is where you are providing care or for compassionate reasons.  For the most part, simple pastoral care does not fit this definition.

Many people consider themselves to be caregiving when they are in fact just having a cuppa and socialising (this is still important, but unfortunately its not allowed. Please be mindful that just because you are a Minister, work at a church, or consider yourself to be pastorally caring for someone, doesn’t mean you meet definition outlined in the Directions. Unless you meet the definition below, you may be fined by Victoria Police.

The DHHS website lists examples of the ‘care or compassionate reasons’ for being able to leave your home.  

Affiliates are encouraged to provide pastoral care in ways that do not put yourself or others at risk, focusing on communicating online, via phone, letters, etc.  Face-to-face pastoral ministry is to be avoided unless it accompanies one of the legitimate exemptions.  

CAN OUR FOODBANK/SOUP KITCHEN TEAM CAN STILL PREPARE MEALS AT THE CHURCH AS AN “COMMUNITY SERVICE”?

Yes, and please make sure you put a COVID Safe Plan together that incorporates all the locations that may be used in the running of these programs.

FACE COVERINGS 

All Victorians must wear a face covering when leaving home unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so. This now includes all of regional Victoria. This is an attempt to keep the numbers of cases low in regional Victoria. More information on face masks and coverings is available on the DHHS website. 

STAY UP TO DATE

There is a reason we direct you to formal websites rather than news articles or media. Learn facts, not opinions: 

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic)
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria
• Business Victoria Ph: 13 22 15

You can find all previous Coronavirus and Churches of Christ emails and many of the resources on our website: www.churchesofchrist.org.au/home/coronavirus/coronavirus-updates.   

Please note that the advice has changed significantly over the months as the situation has evolved, but many of the resources are still appropriate and we welcome any suggestions or feedback.

KEY UPDATES FOR VICTORIA

FACE COVERINGS COMPULSORY FOR ALL OF VICTORIA FROM 11:59PM SUNDAY 2 AUGUST 2020

Face coverings are now compulsory throughout ALL of Victoria from 11.59pm on Sunday 2nd August 2020. This now includes all of regional Victoria. This is an attempt to keep the numbers of cases low in regional Victoria.

GREATER GEELONG AND SURROUNDS RESTRICTIONS FROM 11:59PM THURSDAY 30 JULY 2020

From 11:59pm tonight restrictions will come into force in parts of regional Victoria including:

• Greater Geelong
• Surf Coast
• Moorabool
• Golden Plains
• Colac-Otway
• Borough of Queenscliffe 

These restrictions mean if you live in these areas you will no longer be able to visit people or have visitors at home as this has been determined to be the main source of infections.

CAN I REFUSE SOMEONE ACCESS TO MY PREMISES IF THEY ARE NOT WEARING A FACE COVERING?
Yes. You can ask someone not to enter your premises if they are not wearing a face covering unless they have a lawful reason not to wear a face covering. 
(Source) 

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN ATTEND THE CHURCH TO RECORD AN ONLINE SERVICE
Maximum of 5 people.
(Source) 

DO WE NEED TO WEAR A FACE COVERING WHILE WE ARE AT WORK?
Yes, unless you are exempt. Even with a mask, you should keep 1.5 metres distance between yourself and others.
(Source)

CAREGIVING IS ONE OF THE EXEMPTIONS FOR THE STAY AT HOME DIRECTIONS, BUT WHAT DOES “CAREGIVING” MEAN?

Stay at Home (Restricted Areas) Directions are in force across metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire. This means everyone must stay at home other than in specified circumstances. 

People who live in these areas are only allowed to go out for four reasons: 

1.       shopping for food and supplies

2.       health care and caregiving

3.       outdoor exercise

4.       and study or work – if unable to work or study from home

Many people consider themselves to be caregiving when they are in fact just socialising. Please be mindful that just because you are a Minister, work at a church, or consider yourself to be pastorally caring for someone, doesn’t mean you meet definition outlined in the Directions.  Unless you meet the definition below, you may be fined by Victoria Police.

The DHHS website lists examples of the ‘care or compassionate reasons’ for being able to leave your home.  If you would like to read Clause 7 of the Directions that actually defines this exemption, click here.

Affiliates are encouraged to provide pastoral care in ways that do not put yourself or others at risk, focusing on communicating online, via phone, letters, etc.  Face-to-face pastoral ministry is to be avoided unless it accompanies not one of the legitimate exemptions.  

KEY UPDATES FOR TASMANIA

BORDER CHANGES FROM 7 AUGUST

Tasmania will make changes to its border restrictions from 7 August 2020. The current restrictions remain in place until that time.

From 7 August 2020, there will be no quarantine requirement for Tasmanian residents and non-Tasmanian residents travelling from South Australia (SA), Northern Territory (NT) and Western Australia (WA).

Quarantine requirements will remain in place until further notice for all Tasmanian and non-Tasmanian residents who have spent time in NSW, QLD and the ACT (due to their proximity to NSW) in the 14 days prior to travelling to Tasmania.

Travellers who have spent time in affected regions (currently Victoria) or premises are only permitted to enter the State if they are a Tasmanian resident, or are permitted to enter as an Essential Traveller.

From 31 July 2020, Essential Travellers who have spent time in an affected region or premises in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Tasmania will be required to undertake a COVID-19 test on arrival.

Health screening will also be conducted at all Tasmanian airports and ports, including King and Flinders Island from 7 August.

For more information about these changes visit Coming to Tasmania.

CAN I GO FROM VICTORIA TO TASMANIA?

Travellers who have spent time in affected regions (currently Victoria) or premises are only permitted to enter the State of Tasmania if they are a Tasmanian resident, or are permitted to enter as an Essential Traveller. 

Ministers of Religion are not considered to be an Essential Traveller, and are therefore subject to the normal restrictions and quarantine requirements. 

You may be allowed to travel to Tassie under Category 8: Other persons, or classes of persons, approved by the State Controller which includes for compassionate or medical reasons, for example, to attend a funeral, visit a hospital or to assist with end of life care.  

This is decided on a case-by-case basis. The most effective way of doing this is via the G2G PASS system.

YORK STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST, BALLARAT

Previously York Street was streaming one service during COVID-19, but now in response to the disconnect that many people feel in regard to ‘how church used to be’ we have taken the challenge to live stream all three of our services each week to our church community. 

This means that starting from 2 August we have a 9am Traditional Service (hymns and choruses, reflective thoughts on communion, more traditional feel), then an 11am Family Service (with an attached kids program streamed at the same time), and then a 6pm Youth and Young Adults Service (in the evening). 

We invite our brothers and sisters within Churches of Christ to share in our service, particularly for those churches that appreciate the more traditional art form of worship we wanted to offer as a means of connecting through song.

If your church family wishes to view this in their homes we ask that you let us know so that we can name your congregation during the service, point any pastoral care needs back to your team, and promote a key event, if appropriate. 

This is a temporary way that we can help people connect through worship and also help bring God’s word to those congregations that are unable to take on the challenge of technology. 

This won’t replace pastoral care, or the community which each church has, but it may offer an opportunity to sing and connect through Gods word as well as honour the unity of the body of Christ in its different locations. 

Starting in August, the services can be found at this link https://yorkst.com.au/livestream. Feel free to check out the services before making a decision.

Tim Walter
Senior Pastor

 

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

 

STAY UP TO DATE

As we have all experienced over that last few weeks particularly, the advice and requirements of Government and Health officials can change rapidly and not as previously scheduled or anticipated. 

The aim of these emails is to keep you in the loop and up to date with the most relevant changes, information, and advice but of course it does not replace official Federal or State Government health advice.  Please check the source links for more information if you are unsure how COVID-19 restrictions may impact your specific ministry activities. COVID-19 is a constantly evolving situation, and all Affiliates are reminded to stay on top of the latest information. 

Learn more by referring to trusted and relevant sources, such as:

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic)
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria

You can find all previous Coronavirus and Churches of Christ emails and many of the resources on our website: https://www.churchesofchrist.org.au/home/coronavirus/coronavirus-updates.   

Please note that the advice has changed significantly over the months as the situation has evolved, but many of the resources are still appropriate and we welcome any suggestions or feedback.

GENERAL UPDATES

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

Many churches may have put off their AGM during the lockdown and restricted periods, but are again reconsidering how to run them. Check out The Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) website for some helpful advice but please remember that your own constitution and rules are what specifies the requirements on your organisation.

DISCOVERY CHURCH

CCVT and Discovery Church in Mt Evelyn has put together a fab little video about how they are responding to the pandemic. Check it out here!

CONVERSATIONS OF GRACE PODCAST

Check out a new podcast “Conversations of Grace” by Nathan Oliver at The Church Next Door.  The first season is on 'lockdown parenting'. It's on all the podcast platforms, or link here: https://anchor.fm/tcnd8989

GET TESTED 

If you feel unwell with any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, you should stay home and get tested. If you have any fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of sense of smell or taste – get tested and stay home until you get the result - don’t go in to work and don’t visit friends and family. 

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

SUMMARY OF RESTRICTIONS - MELBOURNE METROPOLITAN AREA AND THE SHIRE OF MITCHELL

IF YOU LIVE IN THE MELBOURNE METROPOLITAN AREA AND THE SHIRE OF MITCHELL

• From 11:59pm on 8 July 2020 you are only allowed to go out for four reasons: shopping for food and supplies, health care and caregiving, outdoor exercise, and study or work – if unable to work or study from home.  
• From 11:59pm on Wednesday 22 July 2020, you are required to wear a face covering when leaving home, unless a lawful exception applies. A face covering can be either a face mask or a cloth mask and needs to cover both the nose and mouth. More information on face coverings is available on the DHHS website.  
• You cannot attend religious ceremonies or private worship – we encourage you to use online services instead.
• Places of religion and worship must close for both religious ceremonies and private worship, but up to a maximum of five people can be on site to record and live stream services. You should ensure those people maintain physical distancing by keeping at least 1.5 metres between each other at all times.
• Weddings held in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will be limited to five people (the couple, two witnesses and the celebrant). You can travel to a wedding outside of metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire if you are getting married, a witness or the celebrant, however the limits on the number of people will still apply (five people including the couple, two witnesses and the celebrant). You cannot travel to a wedding outside metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire as a guest.
• Funerals held in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will be limited to 10 mourners plus those required to conduct the funeral. You can travel to a funeral outside of metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire. The restrictions apply based on the location of the funeral.
• A wedding or funeral held in a private residence in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will be limited to the members of the household, plus the people required to conduct the ceremony.
• You should never attend a wedding or funeral if you are unwell. You should maintain your physical distance at the event.
• Places of worship can continue to be open for essential public support services such as food banks, help for the homeless or other essential activities, ensuring appropriate physical distancing is maintained by keeping at least 1.5 metres between everyone at all times.

FACE COVERINGS

• Face coverings in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire - People living in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire are required to wear a face covering from 11:59pm on Wednesday 22 July when leaving their home, unless a lawful exception applies. The fine for not wearing a face covering will be $200. 
• Face coverings in regional Victoria - Face coverings in regional Victoria continue to be recommended in situations where maintaining 1.5 metres distance is not possible – however regional Victorians will have to wear a mask when visiting metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire for one of the permitted reasons. 
• Face coverings can reduce the risk of transmission but are not a substitute for physical distancing and practising good hygiene.  
• A face covering must cover both your nose and mouth, and a face mask is the recommended face covering.
• This is an anxious and uncertain time for everyone, and support is vital and available. For more information about managing stress and support options, call the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Services on 1800 512 348 or visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

For more information see www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-masks-covid-19.

DO WE HAVE TO WEAR FACE COVERINGS WHILE RECORDING OUR ONLINE SERVICE?

Everyone involved in the production of an online service must wear their face covering unless they meet one of the exceptions. For most churches, this will mean that the person preaching/speaking can remove their face covering for that portion of the event. Please ensure you know how to safely remove and replace a face covering.  All audio/visual staff, musicians, singers, etc for whom it is not necessary to see the mouth (i.e. for lip reading) will remain wearing them. 

Lawful excuses or exceptions for not wearing a face covering:

• Infants and children under the age of 12 years. 
• A person who is affected by a relevant medical condition - including problems with their breathing, a serious skin condition on the face, a disability or a mental health condition. This also includes persons who are communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
• Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to that person’s health and safety related to their work, as determined through OH&S guidelines.
• Persons whose professions require clear enunciation or visibility of their mouth. This includes teaching or live broadcasting. 
• Professional sportspeople when training or competing.
• When the individual is doing any exercise or physical activity where they are out of breath or puffing; examples include jogging or running but not walking. You must have a face covering on you and wear it when you finish exercising.
• When directed by police to remove the face covering to ascertain identity.
• The person is travelling in a vehicle by themselves or with other members of their household.
• When consuming food, drink, medication or when smoking/vaping.
• When asked to remove a face covering to ascertain identity, for example at a bank branch or bottle shop.
• When undergoing dental treatment or other medical care to the extent that the procedure requires that no face covering may be worn. 
• During emergencies.

You must carry a face covering with you when leaving home for one of the four reasons, even if you don’t need to wear it while undertaking your current activity, for example you can take your face covering off to eat. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a face covering at all times you don’t need to carry it with you. 

Please remember that the church is also a workplace, and as an employer you are required to ensure your employees wear face coverings if they are working, unless an exception applies.

SUMMARY OF RESTRICTIONS FOR THE REST OF VICTORIA

IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE OF METRO MELB AND MITCHELL SHIRE, AKA “THE REST OF VICTORIA”:

• Places of worship can open for private worship or small religious ceremonies for up to 20 people, plus the minimum number of people reasonably required to perform the service or ceremony.  The one person per four-square metres rule needs to be followed.
• Up to 20 people, in addition to the celebrant and couple being married, can attend a wedding.  The one person per four-square metres rule needs to be followed.
• If a wedding is in a home, it will be limited to the members of the household plus a maximum of five visitors, plus the celebrant.  If a wedding ceremony is in a restaurant or café, the group maximum is 20, plus the celebrant and the couple.
• Up to 50 people can attend a funeral, plus the person leading the funeral and other funeral staff. The one person per four-square metres rule needs to be followed.
• If a funeral is in a home, it will be limited to the members of the household plus five visitors, plus the funeral staff. If a funeral is held in a restaurant or community facility the group maximum is 50, plus the funeral staff, however a wake or other gathering following a funeral would be limited to a maximum of 10 people.
• You should wear a face covering such as a cloth mask or surgical mask if it is difficult to keep 1.5 metres apart from others. For more information visit the face coverings page.

ARE THERE ANY ACTIVITIES THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED DURING SERVICES?

While a number of religious activities traditionally require close proximity or the sharing of cups or plates, it’s vital we maintain our physical distance. That includes not sharing utensils and limiting the use of highly-touched objects.

CAN I ATTEND A PRAYER GROUP?

For reasons that are genuinely lost on me, currently only up to 10 people can gather for a prayer group if the prayer group is held at a place of worship or another public place. This is despite the fact that 20 people can gather at church for a worship service.

A prayer group can meet if it is held in someone’s home as long as there are no more than five visitors in addition to the normal residents of the household.

You should maintain a physical distance of at least 1.5 metres between yourself and other people.

KEY UPDATES FOR TASMANIA

GATHERINGS

Gathering limits in Tassie are determined by the density of the area, up to a maximum of:

• 250 people for an undivided space in an indoor premises; and
• 500 people in an undivided space outdoors.

Maximum density limit is one person per 2 square metres.

Where the number of people permitted according to the density limit is less than the gathering limit, the lower number applies.

The maximum number of people permitted on a premises includes staff, volunteers, children and babies.

Where practicable, everyone should maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people.

Read more about Gatherings, density limits and physical distancing in Tasmania.

#CHECKIN 

A new campaign has been launched to encourage Tasmanian’s to ‘check in’ with themselves and those around them following the impacts of COVID-19.

It is common to feel anxious and uncertain during these unpreceded times, as we know that that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives of Tasmanians.

Created by the Mental Health Council of Tasmania, the Check In website encourages all Tasmanians to take some steps in their day to day lives to look after their own mental health and wellbeing, and that of their loved ones.

Now is the perfect time to:

• Check in on your own mental health,
• Check in on a friend or family member, and
• Check in on what is happening in your community

By answering some easy questions on the website, people can find guidance around what support and information is available in Tasmania to help with the mental health and wellbeing of themselves or someone they care about.

More information can be found at checkin.org.au

Further support is available if you feel like you or a loved one are not coping, including:

• A Tasmanian Lifeline (1800 98 44 34)
• Lifeline Australia (13 11 14)
• Rural Alive and Well (1300 4357 6283)
• Kids Helpline (1800 551 800)

For more immediate support for people experiencing significant mental health problems, the Mental Health Services Helpline is available 24/7 on 1800 332 388, and in an emergency call triple zero.

STAY UP TO DATE

As we have all experienced over that last few weeks particularly, the advice and requirements of Government and Health officials can change rapidly and not as previously scheduled or anticipated. 

The aim of these emails is to keep you in the loop and up to date with the most relevant changes, information, and advice but of course it does not replace official Federal or State Government health advice.  Please check the source links for more information if you are unsure how COVID-19 restrictions may impact your specific ministry activities. COVID-19 is a constantly evolving situation, and all Affiliates are reminded to stay on top of the latest information. 

Learn more by referring to trusted and relevant sources, such as:

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic)
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria

You can find all previous Coronavirus and Churches of Christ emails and many of the resources on our website: https://www.churchesofchrist.org.au/home/coronavirus/coronavirus-updates.   Please note that the advice has changed significantly over the months as the situation has evolved, but many of the resources are still appropriate and we welcome any suggestions or feedback.

GENERAL UPDATES

PASTORAL CARE

Pastoral care is a fundamental aspect of church and faith communities. During these times of pandemic restrictions, there are limitations placed on how, when, and where we can provide pastoral care. Our aim is not to cease providing care, but to think of a workaround or alternative way of doing it that achieves the good aspect of maintaining spiritual health, without unduly risking people’s physical health. Please consider:

• Who is the most appropriate person to provide the care – e.g. is the person healthy, able to maintain social distancing, appropriately trained?
• Evaluate the necessity of meeting face to face – can pastoral care be provided over the phone or by other supports, rather than in person?
• Caregiving is allowed under Stay at Home directives (e.g. Stage 3 lockdown) and may also be considered “work” for Ministers, Chaplains etc, but this comes with recommendations on how to do so safely. Please adhere to hygiene and social distancing requirements.  Keep visitation to what is necessary.
• You may see an increase in the need for pastoral support services. Make it easy for people to communicate with you and each other without compromising health by being clear about your preferred method of communication and how support will be provided e.g. use of prayer requests cards, web forms, contacting a specific person or team member, use of a preferred phone number or email address, prayer chain, limited hours of availability and so on. 
• Be proactive about reassuring those who may be feeling fearful or isolated – make extra contact with the vulnerable to let them know they are loved, being prayed for, and are part of the community even if they cannot attend services or programs.
• Ministers and pastoral carers who are visiting hospitals and aged care facilities must adhere to the instructions given in each facility – do not visit if you are unwell or if you know that you have been exposed to people who have been diagnosed with flu or viruses – you might feel fine but may still be contagious. Check requirements for flu vax and visitation times and limits before visiting a facility. Exemptions for compassionate care are on a case by case basis.
• Remind pastoral carers to consider the practical limitations of home visitation – can you afford to be exposed to people who are unwell if it then means you cannot visit anyone else in person for 14 days or need to self-quarantine or isolate?
• Like the flu, the coronavirus is afflicting high risk groups at a much more significant level: the elderly, people with underlying medical conditions, and those who are immunocompromised.  This means these people (and those who care for them) may need to make some difficult decisions around staying home to protect their health. Isolation or a fear of not meeting their commitments and letting the team down may be a stress factor. Help them to make wise decisions by encouraging self-care, being quick to relieve people of tasks or responsibilities that others can cover and staying in contact with their faith community in other ways.
• Do not enter any home that is in quarantine for COVID-19. These people must not let in visitors.

AFFILIATE UPDATES

We would love to know how your church or agency is adapting to the current crisis, what practical ministry ideas you are learning or implementing, and how God is moving and working within your community in big and small ways – email us at safeplaces@churchesofchrist.org.au so we can be an encouragement to one another.

2020 ONLINE SERVICE STRATEGY OPTIONS

Many of our churches are having the conversation about how we move forward with online ministry longer term. Click here to view a pdf that some have found really helpful in looking at potential models of online/physical church going forward. 

KEY UPDATES FOR VICTORIA

STAY AT HOME DIRECTIONS (METRO MELBOURNE AND MITCHELL SHIRE)

Stay at Home restrictions will remain in place for metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire until 11.59pm Wednesday 19 August 2020.  

People who live in these areas are only allowed to go out for four reasons: shopping for food and supplies, health care and caregiving, outdoor exercise, and study or work – if unable to work or study from home.  

Weddings, funerals, and religious ceremonies are significantly restricted. 

Church services cannot be run open to the public during this time.  Only those required to be present to produce an online service may attend the church for the production of the service.  Please adhere to 1.5m social distancing and the 4 square metre rule.

STAY SAFE DIRECTIONS (REST OF VICTORIA)

Stay Safe Directions still apply to the rest of Victoria. 

Currently, all places of worship can open for private worship or small religious ceremonies of up to 20 people, subject to the one person per four-square metres rule, as well as the minimum number of people reasonably required for the service. 

Places of worship can also be used for a funeral service for up to 50 mourners, plus the people required to conduct the funeral.

FACE MASKS

If you live in metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire and are aged 18 years or older, it is recommended that you wear a face mask when you leave home if it is going to be difficult for you to maintain 1.5 metres of distance between yourself and other people. 

Children are not recommended to wear a face mask, but individual families can make their own decisions regarding their children. Children under two years should never wear a face mask due to choking and strangulation risks.

Face masks provide an additional barrier but are not a substitute for physical distancing.  For more information on face masks, click here.

There is a certain technique to safely putting face masks on and taking them off. If promoting the use of masks, please circulate this very short training video from the Australia Government on how to wear a mask: https://youtu.be/weJagy45jek

You can buy face masks online, or follow these instructions on how to make you own face mask, or contact Richmond Vietnamese Church of Christ on 03 9421 5005 or via email as they have been pumping out handmade face masks for the community for months!

KEY UPDATE FOR TASMANIA 

Gathering limits are now determined by the density of the area, up to a maximum of:

• 250 people for an undivided space in an indoor premises; and
• 500 people in an undivided space outdoors.

Maximum density limit is one person per 2 square metres.

Where the number of people permitted according to the density limit is less than the gathering limit, the lower number applies.

The maximum number of people permitted on a premises includes staff, volunteers, children and babies.

Where practicable, everyone should maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people.

Read more about Gatherings, density limits and physical distancing in Tasmania.

STAY UP TO DATE

As we have all experienced over that last few weeks particularly, the advice and requirements of Government and Health officials can change rapidly and not as previously scheduled or anticipated. 

The aim of these emails is to keep you in the loop and up to date with the most relevant changes, information, and advice but of course it does not replace official Federal or State Government health advice.  

Please check the source links for more information if you are unsure how COVID-19 restrictions may impact your specific ministry activities. COVID-19 is a constantly evolving situation, and all Affiliates are reminded to stay on top of the latest information. 

Learn more by referring to trusted and relevant sources, such as:

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic)
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria

You can find all previous Coronavirus and Churches of Christ emails and many of the resources on our website: www.churchesofchrist.org.au/home/coronavirus/coronavirus-updates.   

Please note that the advice has changed significantly over the months as the situation has evolved, but many of the resources are still appropriate and we welcome any suggestions or feedback. 

GENERAL UPDATES

St Johns Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hygiene supplies:

The amount of spam emails from random online companies selling PPE is a pandemic unto itself.  

If you aren’t sure where to buy reliable products, stick to the main stores or consider supporting St John Ambulance. I have attached their PPE price list which includes thermometers scanners, hand sanitiser stations (cheaper than Officeworks!) and other supplies.  

If you have any questions or would like to order items, please contact Sandra at St John Ambulance on 03 8588 8336 or Sandra.Dsouza@stjohnvic.com.au.  (Note: CCVT gets absolutely no kickbacks from St Johns, I just think it’s great to support an Aussie NFP organisation!)

Translated Resources:

If your church or agency involves ministry with people from CALD backgrounds please ensure that you are using translated resources to help communicate clearly. 

Check out Vic resources and Tas resources.

Resuming group based programs:

Thinking about starting up Playgroup, Mainly Music, Mini Maestro’s and other group based children’s programs?

1. Is there enough room to be able to run your group safely? Confirm which maximum number of participants you are subject to – this may vary depending on where you meet, e.g. a home, the church, or other facility. Seek advice from the COVID-19 hotline in your state. 

2. Calculate how many people can fit into the space using the 4 square metre rule in Vic and the 2 square meter rule in Tas. You must abide by the lower of the answers to 1 and 2.

3. Do you have enough people to run the activity properly?  Survey your leaders and volunteers to see how many are willing and able to resume their roles – some people may not wish to continue due to their age or health or that of the people in their household.  

4. Do you have enough participants to make it worthwhile? Survey your participating families to see how many are willing and able to resume in person attendance or if they wish to continue online activities or a hybrid version.

For more information see the attached MM docs (Mainly Music Intermediate Stage, Intermediate Stage - Update #2) or follow these links:

• Playgroup and Letter from CEO
• Mainly Music
• Christian Playgroup Network and their COVID-19 resources
• Mini Maestros

KEY UPDATES FOR VICTORIA

Metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire:

Victoria is currently operating under Restricted Activity Directions (No 11) but based on the advice of the Chief Health Officer, Stage 3 "Stay at Home" restrictions will be reinstated across metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire from 11:59pm Wednesday 8 July 2020 and will be in place for 6 weeks.

This means that from July 9, Melburnians can only leave their homes for 4 reasons: 

• to give or receive care; 
• to work/study (if unable to do so from home); 
• to exercise (locally); and 
• to buy essential food and supplies. 

Please note that “providing care” should be done with wisdom – please adhere to good hygiene and social distancing and call first before visiting people’s homes so that they can decide for themselves if they are comfortable with face-to-face visitation. Do not visit anyone if you or anyone in your household is unwell.  

Please note that “going to work” includes both paid staff and volunteers when it comes to production of online services but only the very necessary people should be at the church/agency facility.  All those who can remote in, pre-record, or who aren’t reasonably necessary should stay home.

For many churches, this second lockdown means a delay to the resumption of services and programs.  For others it means we go back to not meeting again having had the blessing of a few weeks together.  Please be alert to the impact this may have on staff, volunteers, and participants in your community. It may be the same restrictions as we experienced previously, but the sheer duration can take a different toll on people.  

Restricted Postcodes:

If you live in postcodes 3012, 3021, 3031, 3032, 3038, 3042, 3046, 3047, 3051, 3055, 3060 and 3064 you will be aware of the additional restrictions already impacting your suburbs. 

Places of religion and worship in these suburbs must close for both religious ceremonies and private worship, but those people who are necessary to stream a service can attend for these purposes.

For general information on the restrictions that apply to these postcodes, click here.

For information specific to churches in these areas, click here.

Prayer request: Please be in prayer for our friends at Roxburgh Park Community Church, Maidstone Church of Christ, and Ascot Vale Church of Christ as they minister to their communities within the suburbs that have already seen higher restrictions in place. 

Rest of Victoria:

To the Victorian Affiliates who live outside of metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, please send toilet paper.

KEY UPDATES FOR TASMANIA 

Tasmania has moved to Stage Three in the lifting of restrictions:  

Gathering limits are now determined by the density of the area, up to a maximum of:

• 250 people for an undivided space in an indoor premises; and
• 500 people in an undivided space outdoors.

Maximum density limit is one person per 2 square metres. Where the number of people permitted according to the density limit is less than the gathering limit, the lower number applies.

The maximum number of people permitted on a premises includes staff, volunteers, children and babies.

Where practicable, business operators, staff, volunteers and attendees should maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people.

Read more about gatherings, density limits and physical distancing in Tasmania.

Singing:

Tas Govt also has note for you about Safe singing in groups!

UPDATES FROM AFFILIATES

New Life Church of Christ - Wodonga

We had two services, one at 9.30 a.m. and one at 11.30 a.m.  At each service we had a COVID-19 information session and told people of the required procedures.  All our signage is in both English and Swahili and everyone followed the instructions.  

We allowed an hour between services for cleaning of all facilities and this worked well. We now face a new set of problems with the border between Vic and NSW being closed so a number of our members will not be able to attend.  However, notices, Bible studies and mini sermons will continue to be sent out.  

Ray Baker (Pastor)

Friends of Dismas – Box Hill

Our Box Hill congregation averages about 16 people at our Tuesday night service, so we have been able to meet together since the maximum number of people allowed to attend a worship service went up to 20. We were not doing any online ministry other than our usual weekly email during lockdown, but we had a good phone ministry going! When we first started back up, we controlled attendance numbers by actually calling all the regular participants first and asking if they were able to attend, and after that we let the less frequent attendees know that we were starting back up. Each week since, we have just kept up the communications and people have let us know if they were or weren’t coming ahead of time. We’ve not turned anyone away!

It has been an interesting learning curve applying all the social distancing and hygiene practices (especially when everyone feels healthy and happy) – it is easy to get a bit too relaxed about it all after a while. We found that it wasn’t just a matter of changing the way we did seating, communion, greeting etc – we had to trial those things and adjust when it didn’t work well.  Overall it hasn’t been too difficult for a smaller group. 

I am confident that we will bounce back from this latest lockdown too. We have seen how God works through our ministry and in people’s lives when we meet face-to-face and when we are apart. It’s been a privilege to walk together with people through this whole experience.  We’ve really bonded as a church family!  

Kylie Kendall (Church Secretary)
(yes, I finally replied to my request for an update from myself and put my own church in my email!)

STAY UP TO DATE

As we have all experienced over that last few weeks particularly, the advice and requirements of Government and Health officials can change rapidly and not as previously scheduled or anticipated. 

The aim of these emails is to keep you in the loop and up to date with the most relevant changes, information, and advice but of course it does not replace official Federal or State Government health advice.  Please check the source links for more information if you are unsure how COVID-19 restrictions may impact your specific ministry activities. COVID-19 is a constantly evolving situation, and all Affiliates are reminded to stay on top of the latest information. 

Learn more by referring to trusted and relevant sources, such as:

• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic)
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania
• WorkSafe Victoria

GENERAL UPDATES

The restrictions we currently live and worship under during the COVID-19 pandemic has created some amazing stories of grief and joy, death and birth, disruption and accomplishment, rest and work.  It has been a privilege to witness how God has worked though all these events in our churches and agencies. 

CCVT staff are here to support you through all these as best we can, so if you are unsure what you are “allowed” to be doing, or how best to do it in your local context, please give us a call or call the COVID hotline in your state and ask questions – they are there to help you too (although we recommend being very clearabout who you are and what type of activity you are undertaking so that they give the correct advice applicable to your situation).

• Victorian Coronavirus Hotline: 1800 675 398
• Tasmanian Public Health Hotline: 1800 671 738

The Restricted Activity Directions (No 10) and the Stay Safe Directions (No 2) now apply in Victoria, beginning at 11:59pm on 21 June 2020 and ending at 11:59pm on 12 July 2020.  These documents are the official basis of all the advice you find on the DHHS website and in our emails from CCVT.  When you ring the DHHS COVID-19 hotline (Victorian Coronavirus Hotline: 1800 675 398) for advice as an organisation you will be redirected to Business Victoria’s COVID-19 hotline. They look at the DHHS website to understand how to answer your questions.  Many of us were in limbo last week while we waited for DHHS to make corrections to the website as it had weird references to groups of 50 and 20 that made no practical sense.  Now that the Directives have been issued, and the websites updated, it is clearer!

FURTHER ADVICE REGARDING SINGING AT CHURCH

As we advised last week, you are allowed to have congregational singing and choirs at churches in Victoria and Tasmania, although you must adhere to all the social distancing, 4 sqm rule, and hygiene protocols. 

In some other countries it is restricted, and in some other Australian states it is recommended not to do it, but we have no such government rules or Dept of Health recommendations here in Vic/Tas.  

Even so, you can still choose not to have group singing at your services if people are uncomfortable with it because of the increased risk of spreading COVID-19 via the aerosolized droplets when projecting our voices. This is a decision you can make locally based on your particular risk factors and the vulnerability of people in your faith community.

In these unusual times we are constantly making adaptions and alterations to how we do many things at church and we must accept that we are not yet back to “normal”.  It is ok to not be running our services exactly the way we used to, even though we can now meet face-to-face in some capacity again.  Singing (or not) is one of those areas we can eliminate, adapt, or adopt.  To minimise risk, you may decide to encourage people to wear face masks, reduce the number of songs at the services, choose songs that require less voice projection, have someone sing to the congregations in lieu of congregational singing, or be patient and wait a bit longer before resuming it.  

Please remember that you can always raise the bar above the official regulations and make your church safer, but you cannot lower them and compromise people’s health and safety.

If you would like more information about singing and why some churches are not doing it, check out these articles and podcasts:

• The Future of Singing - with Rob Smith, Curtis Smith & Charlotte Hespe from “The Pastor's Heart” (Note: NSW, Australia based)
• www.eternitynews.com.au/world/youll-need-to-be-cautious-about-singing-when-church-returns-heres-why/
• www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/may-web-only/when-churches-reopen-phase-coronavirus-covid-19-guidelines.html (Note: American based)

ARE STAFF INCLUDED IN THE 4 SQUARE METER RULE?

In Victoria and Tasmania the 4 square metre rule applies to limit the number of members of the public allowed in a space, but not the number of workers or staff reasonably required to operate or run the service. So, when calculating your church or hall space, do not include the people running the event in the total number of people allowed to attend. Remember, if your capacity limit under the 4 square metre rule is less than the maximum people allowed for the type of event, you must adhere to the lower number.

To comply with the 4 square metre rule, measure the length and width of the floor space which the members of the public can access. Multiply the length by the width to calculate the area in square metres and divide this by four. The final number is the maximum number of people allowed in the premises (up to the maximum gathering size).  Templates here.

HOLDING CHURCH ACTIVITIES IN PRIVATE HOMES

As always, there is significant overlap between our church activities and our personal/social activities.  Please remember that when it comes the restrictions on numbers, church activities held in a private home such as bible studies, prayer groups, leadership team meetings etc are subject to the residential/private home numbers, not church ceremony numbers.   

Homes are different to public settings in that people may be less likely to observe physical distancing, while other safeguards like regular cleaning are not in place. The evidence confirms that we need to continue physical distancing practices and use common sense throughout the course of the pandemic as we adjust restrictions.  

If you are visiting someone's home, you should:

• Consider carefully before visiting people who are at higher risk of getting very sick, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions - you might want to delay your visit or connect with them in other ways including video conferencing, phone calls, text message or social media.
• Ensure appropriate physical distancing by keeping at least 1.5 metres between you and others who are not from your household. There should be no handshakes and no hugs.
• Wash your hands when you arrive at someone’s home, and regularly while you visit. Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• If you, your family or housemates are feeling unwell you should not visit anyone or have visitors at your home.
• Keep your friends, family and loved ones safe by staying home if you feel unwell. Get tested if you have any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Use common sense when it comes to visiting friends and family, especially those who are more vulnerable. That means seeing only those you need to – if you need to.
• Do not share food or drinks.

Babies and children are counted in the total person limit. Your home includes indoor and outdoor areas of the house.

In Victoria, the decision was made to reduce the number of people who can attend public and private gatherings based on data showing an increase in the number of household contacts spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) among extended family groups. Currently, you are able to have up to 5 visitors in your home at any one time, in addition to the normal residents of a household.

In Tasmania, as of midday Wednesday 17 June 2020, visitors to households have increased to 20 people at any one time (indoor or outdoor), in addition to residents of the household.

If your group is larger than what is allowed in a home, then move to the church facility or somewhere that you can reasonable spread out and socially distance from one another.

KEY UPDATES FOR VICTORIA (22 JUNE 2020 – 12 JULY 2020)

Church services/ceremonies: Currently, all places of worship of all denominations can open for private worship or small religious ceremonies of up to 20 people in any separate area, subject to the one person per four-square metres rule, as well as the minimum number of people reasonably required for the service. Basically, we are continuing with what we have been doing already for just a bit longer.

Weddings: Up to 20 people, in addition to the celebrant and couple being married, can attend a wedding.  The one person per four-square metres rule needs to be followed. If a wedding is in a home, it will be limited to the members of the household plus a maximum of five visitors, plus the celebrant. If a wedding ceremony is in a restaurant or café, the group maximum is 20, plus the celebrant and the couple. Record keeping requirements apply to all weddings.

Funerals: Up to 50 people can attend a funeral, plus the person leading the funeral and other funeral staff. The one person per four-square metres rule needs to be followed. If a funeral is in a home, it will be limited to the members of the household plus five visitors, plus the funeral staff. If a funeral is held in a restaurant or community facility the group maximum is 50, plus the funeral staff, however a wake or other gathering following a funeral would be limited to a maximum of 10 people. Record keeping requirements apply to funerals.

Prayer groups at church: Currently, the DHHS website says that only up to 10 people can gather for a prayer group at church. This has not been specified in the official directives, and makes no practical sense compared to all the other activities being run at a place of worship at a maximum of 20, so we have submitted a request for direct feedback on this matter and will advise you of the answer in our next email.  A prayer group can also meet in someone’s home as long as there are no more than five visitors in addition to the normal residents of the household. You should maintain a physical distance of at least 1.5 metres between yourself and other people.

Record Keeping: You must keep a record of who has attended a ceremony, wedding or funeral, except in relation to private worship or in relation to support groups if confidentiality is typically required. The records requirement applies to all persons that attend the facility or venue for longer than 15 minutes, which may include staff, customers, maintenance and delivery workers.

You must request that each person who attends the facility or venue for longer than 15 minutes provide:

• their first name; and
• a contact phone number, 

and, if provided by the person, must keep a record of those details for 28 days, together with the following details:

• the date and time at which the person attended the facility or venue; and
• if there are multiple indoor spaces, the indoor space(s) which the person visited.

You must use reasonable endeavours to protect the personal information from use or disclosure to anyone other than an authorised officers (local Council, DHHS) under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act, and destroy the information as soon as reasonably practicable following 28 days after the visit, unless another statutory requirement permits or requires the personal information to be retained.

Signage: You must comply with the signage requirement for each indoor space all the time, and, if hosting a wedding or funeral, each outdoor space. Display a sign at each public entry to each space that includes a statement that the maximum number of members of the public that may be present in the space at a single time is the number permitted by the density quotient, rounded down to the nearest whole number. Templates here.

Cleaning: You must comply with the cleaning requirements, meaning you must take all reasonable steps to ensure that:

• frequently touched surfaces accessible to members of the public, including toilets and handrails, are cleaned at least twice on any given day; and
• surfaces are cleaned when visibly soiled; and
• if an event is to occur, a reasonable period of time has elapsed since the conclusion of any earlier event to allow for cleaning in between the events; and
• surfaces accessible to a particular group, including the surface of a restaurant table, are cleaned between groups; and
• surfaces are cleaned immediately after a spill on the surface.

To ensure a surface is cleaned for the purposes of this direction, a person must wipe the surface with a disinfectant:

• the label of which states a claim by the manufacturer that the disinfectant has anti-viral properties; or
• made by a person according to instructions issued by the Department of Health and Human Services.

KEY UPDATES FOR TASMANIA (FROM 17 JUNE 2020)

Tasmania has moved to Stage Two in the lifting of restrictions. The Tasmanian Government is gradually easing restrictions on businesses as part of its response to COVID-19. 

All businesses and workplaces that are permitted to operate are required to implement measures to meet the minimum COVID-19 safety standards and record this in a COVID-19 Safety plan. See more information on restrictions and the COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework.

Religious events and ceremonies:

• Up to 80 attendees at religious gatherings, ceremonies and instruction; non-denominational ceremonies; and similar services.
• Up to 80 attendees at weddings, not including the couple being married and staff and volunteers facilitating the event.
• Up to 80 attendees at funerals, not including staff and volunteers facilitating the event.

The four square metre per person rule applies to all of the religious ceremonies and events listed above.

Gatherings at households: (including shacks) have increased to up to 20 people at any one time, not including residents of the household.  You should not visit or have visitors to your home if you are unwell.

Workplace Safety Plan: All CCVT Affiliates in Tasmania must have a COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan in place.

VIDEO SERMON RESOURCE

In the last 2 years, Mark Conner, previously senior pastor of CityLife Church, has spoken at many CCVT events, Summit 2018 and at many of our churches since then. 

More recently, some of our churches have asked Mark to video preach at their online services. Messages always include a greeting to the church and leaders up front and a closing prayer of response. Message lengths are anywhere from 20-40 minutes. The messages are recorded in 4k video quality with good audio via a lapel mic then delivered in mp4 format or whatever each church media team requires. 

Some subjects relevant to the current climate includes: 

• Living in Turbulent Times. From Habakkuk about living in turbulent times. 
• Freedom from Worry.  About worry and anxiety from Sermon on the Mount.
• John 3:16 - Basic summary of the gospel for our times. 
• Improving Our Relationships. A practical message from James 1:19-20. 
• Igniting Our Spiritual Passion. Passion killers and passion lighters, from Romans 12:8.
• How to Connect with God.  John 15 abiding in Christ leading to greater fruitfulness.
• The Spiritual Journey.  Stages of faith in our spiritual journey. 
• The Blessing of Giving. Acts 20:35 a life of generosity. 
• Managing Your Finances in Tough Times. A practical message from the book of Proverbs.

If you have an interest in these or other topics, please contact Mark on mark.conner7@icloud.com. 

Mark’s heart is to be a blessing to our churches and if you are able to, a gift of $250 per message to his itinerant ministry is much appreciated. 

FILMING & INTERVIEW GUIDE

Sam Young, CCVT Videographer, has created a Filming and Interview Guide for CCVT Affiliates.  If you are looking for some simple, user-friendly advice on how to interview people, set up the camera, and get good audio, then have a look at the attached. 

If you have any questions or comments, please reply directly to Sam. 

STAY UP TO DATE

The aim of these emails is to keep you in the loop and up to date with the most relevant changes, information, and advice but of course it does not replace official Federal or State Government health advice.  

Please check the source links for more information if you are unsure how COVID-19 restrictions may impact your specific ministry activities.

COVID-19 is a constantly evolving situation, and all Affiliates are reminded to stay on top of the latest information. Learn more by referring to trusted sources, such as:

• Australian Government
• Australian Department of Health
• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic)
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Prime Ministers Scott Morrison’s website
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania

The focus of this week’s update is the safe resumption of services and other face-to-face activities on church property.

As churches and agencies around the world start cautiously resuming their activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to stay on top of the restrictions relevant to your country, state, and type of activity.

Here are some answers to common questions that are floating around at the moment. 

Please keep in mind the answers pertain to the minimum standard of what is allowed – you are free to decide as a church or agency if you would like to be more cautious or take the restrictions even further for additional safety or practical reasons. Basically, it is ok to set the bar higher, but you cannot drop below the minimum level of safety required by our legislation. For example, many churches are holding off altogether on resuming face to face services until the 

Where possible, we have included a link at the end of each answer so you can check the source and read further information as required.

If you are in doubt about your activities, please call the hotline for your state and seek advice.

Victorian Coronavirus Hotline: 1800 675 398
Tasmanian Public Health Hotline: 1800 671 738

VICTORIA (ADVICE CURRENT FROM 1 JUNE – 22 JUNE 2020)

Can we sing at church?

Yes. This is not a restricted activity in Victoria.

Do we need to temperature test people as they arrive?

No. As a church you are not required to do this, but if you do choose to do it you should use a non-contact thermometer (example) and have a clear and simple procedure for who gets tested (e.g. just staff or everyone?), when they get tested (e.g. upon arrival), and how to handle the situation should someone register a high temperature (e.g. stand aside and retest after 5 minutes. If temperature remains high, go home).  

Is there is a time limit for how long our service or activity can run?

No, but you should leave adequate time for cleaning and sanitising before and after each service or event. This may mean fewer services being conducted or groups using a building or space each day. Be good stewards of people’s time and energy. (Source link)

Can we run multiple church services or activities one after the other in the same space? 

Yes. Multiple services or ceremonies can be held on the same day, but at least one hour should be allowed between them to reduce the risk of crowds at entrances and exits and to enable cleaning. (Source link)

Can we run multiple church services or activities at the same time in different parts of the building?

Yes. You can have up to 20 people in “a single undivided indoor space, subject to the four square metre rule plus the minimum number of people reasonably required to perform the service or ceremony”. An enclosed space is defined as “an area, room or premises that is substantially enclosed by a roof and walls. If venues have multiple floors, courtyards or separate rooms these may count as enclosed spaces”. (Source link)

This means that you could have 20 people worshipping in the church auditorium and another 20 watching a live feed in the hall at the same time. Or, you could have a service for 20 people happening on the ground floor and another 20 in the kid’s ministry activity upstairs. 

This sounds easy but be mindful that you must make sure crowds do not form in any common areas such as foyers, toilets, kitchens, or any areas where the two groups might meet.  

You are not required to have separate entry/exits for each group, but you must consider the impact on common areas and manage people traffic:

• stagger start/finish times so that the two groups aren’t arriving and leaving through the same foyer at the same time
• designate different entry/exit doors for the different groups
• designate different toilets for the different groups
• eliminate, reduce, or adapt morning tea or food service so that people are not tempted to gather in crowds larger than the 20 for their activity
• know what the maximum occupancy of your foyer and other common areas to ensure that you don’t have too many people in there either

If you are unsure if you can manage this safely, please don’t proceed.  The health and wellbeing of our community is more important than getting the most people possible attending an event.  

Source: This advice was received from the Business Victoria Coronavirus Hotline 13 22 15 on 11/6/2020.  (Source Link)

Are staff included in the 4 square meter rule?

No. The four square metre rule applies to limit the number of customers/visitors in a space, but not the number of workers. Venues and facilities can have the number of staff reasonably required to operate, in addition to the limit in place for patrons.

Workers are excluded from the calculation because employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace. (Source link)

A sample door sign is attached.

Do we need to count how many people enter the building?

Yes, this is how you will know if you have met the occupancy limitation for the venue.  You must include babies and children in the count.  Even if you use a booking system to allocate seats or restrict numbers attending a service, you should still do a head count to ensure extras have not entered.

We have outside groups that want to use our buildings – is our church responsible for making sure those people are sticking to the social distancing rules?

Places of worship may host essential community services, including leasing church halls or other spaces for community support groups. Physical distancing requirements are the responsibility of the group or organisation leasing the space (the tenant), not the landlord/owner. (Source Link)

Affiliates are encouraged to communicate thoroughly with any hall hirers, and make sure they understand the occupancy, hygiene, cleaning, and social distancing requirements for the buildings.

Use door signs and other posters to spread the message about safe practices.

Do we need to record attendee details for contact tracing?

Yes. To support contact tracing, a place of worship that is hosting a wedding, funeral or ceremony must request that each person attending the premise (including staff) provide first name and phone number.

You must keep a record of those details, and the date and time at which the person attended the facility. Where the patrons spend most of their time in a single space a record of the space used should also be kept. There is no need to keep multiple records if patrons move through multiple spaces. Records can be kept electronically or in hard copy. Records should be kept for 28 days. Pens used to record details should be wiped with an alcohol wipe between users. (Source Link)

A sample record and fact sheet are attached to this email.

Remember, you must ask for details, but people have a right to say no to having their details recorded and they can still participate in the event.

How do we clean and sanitise?

Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly e.g. phones, keyboards, door handles, light switches, bench tops can help stop the spread of coronavirus. Advice on cleaning and disinfecting to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading (Word).

You will find some Safe Work Australia checklists attached and more information can be found at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/how-clean-and-disinfect-your-workplace-covid-19

What do we do if someone tests positive for COVID-19?

Anyone who tests positive to COVID-19 will be contacted by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and given instructions on quarantine requirements. 

DHHS will manage contact tracing and notifications to any people who have been in close contact with a person who tests positive to COVID-19.  

Affiliates should be ready to give the Dept any records of attendees at their events to assist them with contact tracing and notifications. 

When will restrictions change again?

From 22 June 2020 a further easing of restrictions is planned in Victoria. Further information on how this will impact faith communities will become available closer to that date.

For more information:

Staying safe
Victoria’s restriction levels
Restricted Activity Directions (No 9) Legislation
Stay Safe Directions given on 31 May 2020

TASMANIA (ADVICE CURRENT FROM 5 JUNE 2020)

Please note: The lifting of Stage 2 restrictions (due to come into effect on 15 June) was brought forward to come into effect from 3pm on Friday 5 June 2020. The decision by the State Government was made after consultation with Public Health. Restrictions around numbers that can gather are still in place but have increased. 

What are the current allowed numbers as of 5 June 2020?

Households: maximum of 10 people at any one time, in addition to residents of the household.

Gatherings: maximum of 20 people (indoor and outdoor) unless the maximum density for the premises under the 4 square metre rule is less, in which case you must adhere to the lower number.

Religious ceremonies, private worship and church services, including baptisms:  maximum of 40 attendees (indoor and outdoor) in addition to the people reasonably necessary to perform or provide the religious instruction, support or service.

Weddings: maximum of 40 attendees (indoor and outdoor) in addition to the people reasonably necessary to perform the wedding unless the maximum density for the premises under the 4 square metre rule is less, in which case you must adhere to the lower number

Funerals: maximum of 50 attendees (indoor and outdoor) in addition to the people reasonably necessary to perform the funeral unless the maximum density for the premises under the 4 square metre rule is less, in which case you must adhere to the lower number

At all of the above, people should still ensure they use physical distancing (1.5m away from others when possible when out), wash their hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home if unwell and get tested for COVID-19 if experiencing any cold or flu symptoms. 

Vulnerable people are encouraged to stay home as much as possible to help protect their health.  (Source link)

Make sure your church or agency fully understands the requirements around gatherings, density and physical distancing and how they apply to your activities. 

Some restrictions will be updated over coming days. (Source link)

Do Affiliates need to produce a COVID-19 Safety Plan?

Yes. Services and venues involved in religious ceremonies, funerals and weddings must have a COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan in place by 15 June 2020.  

Creating a plan is not as difficult as it sounds – the information included in your plan will include things you are already doing, and there are templates to help you along the way.

The principles underlying this plan are preparation and prevention of COVID-19 in the workplace.

Business Tasmania partnered with WorkSafe Tasmania to host an online information session to help you navigate the process of developing your COVID-19 Safety Plan. Presented by Ken Nolan from WorkSafe Tasmania, Ken walks you through:

• why you need to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan
• where to find checklists, guidelines and plan templates
• tips and tricks to filling in the plan template or add to your existing workplace plan

Watch a video about how to develop your Plan  ***Highly recommended***

Learn about the minimum standards in the 6 Point Checklist: How to keep your workers safe and limit the spread of COVID-19

Use the small business template (employing fewer than 20 people) or the medium business template (employing between 20 and 199 people) to start your safety plan inc volunteers

Have a solid read of the COVID Safe Workplace Guidelines – Weddings & Religious Services Industry as it will help you with content for your plan

Can we sing at church?

Yes. This is not a restricted activity in Tasmania.

Do we need to temperature test people as they arrive?

No. As a church you are not required to do this, but if you do choose to do it you should use a non-contact thermometer (example) and have a clear and simple procedure for who gets tested (e.g. just staff or everyone?), when they get tested (e.g. upon arrival), and how to handle the situation should someone register a high temperature (e.g. stand aside and retest after 5 minutes. If temperature remains high, go home).  This will form part of your Safety Plan.

Is there is a time limit for how long our service or activity can run?

No, but you should leave adequate time for cleaning and sanitising before and after each service or event.  

Can we run multiple church services or activities one after the other in the same space? 

Yes. Multiple services or ceremonies can be held on the same day but leave enough time between them to reduce the risk of crowds at entrances and exits and to enable proper cleaning and sanitising.

Can we run multiple church services or activities at the same time in different parts of the building?

Yes, BUT you can only have multiple groups of 40 people in separate spaces at the same time if each group has completely separate amenities and entry/exit doors.  The groups cannot share any common area.

If you have multiple groups on the premises at the same time and they need to both use the same foyer or toilets these areas must be completely sanitised between use. This makes it quite impractical for some churches, so please give serious consideration to whether it is in fact easier to just hold one event or to stagger them to run at different times.

You may need to:

• stagger start/finish times so that the two groups aren’t arriving and leaving through the same foyer at the same time (remember you must clean in between groups)
• designate different entry/exit doors for the different groups
• designate different toilets for the different groups
• eliminate, reduce, or adapt morning tea to be prepared and consumed within each groups designated area, not a common area.
• know what the maximum occupancy of your foyer and other common areas to ensure that you don’t have too many people in there either

If you are unsure if you can manage this safely, please don’t proceed.  The health and wellbeing of our community is more important than getting the most people possible attending an event.  

Are staff included in the 4 square meter rule?

No. The four square metre rule applies to limit the number of people in addition to the staff reasonably required to operate.

Do we need to count how many people enter the building?

Yes. This is how you will know if you have met the occupancy limitation for the premises.  You must include babies and children in the count. Even if you use a booking system to allocate seats or restrict numbers attending a service, you should still do a head count to ensure extras have not entered.

We have outside groups that want to use our buildings – is our church responsible for making sure those people are sticking to the social distancing rules?

Physical distancing requirements are the responsibility of the group or organisation leasing the space (the tenant), not the landlord/owner.

Affiliates are encouraged to communicate thoroughly with any hall hirers, and make sure they understand the occupancy, hygiene, cleaning, and social distancing requirements for the buildings.

Use door signs and other posters to spread the message about safe practices.

Do we need to record attendee details for contact tracing?

Recording attendee details is recommended but not technically required by Dept of Health in Tassie.

CCVT recommends you do record attendee details to support contact tracing by the Dept of Health in the event that someone tests positive.

Remember, you can ask for details, but people have a right to say no to having their details recorded and they can still participate in the event.

Keep a record of those first name and phone number for each person (including children), and the date and time at which the person attended the facility. Records can be kept electronically or in hard copy. 

Records should be kept for 28 days. 

Pens used to record details should be wiped with an alcohol wipe between users. 

How do we clean and sanitise?

Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly e.g. phones, keyboards, door handles, light switches, bench tops can help stop the spread of coronavirus. Advice on cleaning and disinfecting to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading (Word).

You will find some Safe Work Australia checklists attached and more information can be found at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/how-clean-and-disinfect-your-workplace-covid-19

What do we do if someone tests positive for COVID-19?

People who have tested positive to COVID-19 will receive a letter from Public Health Services telling them when they can leave isolation and return to normal duties, including work. (Source Link)

The Dept of Health will manage contact tracing and notifications to any people who have been in close contact with a person who tests positive to COVID-19.  

Affiliates should be ready to give over any records of attendees at their events to the Dept to assist with contact tracing and notifications. 

What is considered “close contact” in Tassie?

A close contact is anyone who:

• has had face-to-face contact for more than 15 minutes (cumulative over the course of a week) with someone known to have COVID-19, while that person was or may have been infectious, including in the 48 hours before their symptoms started
• shared a closed space (e.g. waiting room, classroom) for more than two hours with someone known to have COVID-19, while that person was or may have been infectious, including in the 48 hours before their symptoms started.

Close contacts do not include healthcare workers and other people who used infection control precautions, including the recommended personal protective equipment, while caring for someone with COVID-19.

Any other contact is deemed low risk. (Source link)

When will restrictions change again?

From 13 July 2020 a further easing of restrictions is planned in Tasmania. Further information on how this will impact faith communities will become available closer to that date.

Source: Tasmania Dept of Health Hotline 1800 671 738 as at 12/6/2020

For more information:

The Tasmanian Government’s Roadmap to Recovery

Read more about requirements of businesses under the COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework

Tasmanian Public Health Hotline: 1800 671 738

Safe Work Australia

Worksafe Tasmania

10 NATIONAL COVID-19 SAFE WORKPLACE PRINCIPLES

Source: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces/other-resources/national-covid-19-safe-workplace-principles

Recognising that the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency, that all actions in respect of COVID-19 should be founded in expert health advice, and that the following principles operate subject to the measures agreed and implemented by governments through the National Cabinet process:

1.  All workers, regardless of their occupation or how they are engaged, have the right to a healthy and safe working environment.

2.  The COVID-19 pandemic requires a uniquely focused approach to work health and safety (WHS) as it applies to businesses, workers and others in the workplace.

3.  To keep our workplaces healthy and safe, businesses must, in consultation with workers, and their representatives, assess the way they work to identify, understand and quantify risks and to implement and review control measures to address those risks.

4.  As COVID-19 restrictions are gradually relaxed, businesses, workers and other duty holders must work together to adapt and promote safe work practices, consistent with advice from health authorities, to ensure their workplaces are ready for the social distancing and exemplary hygiene measures that will be an important part of the transition.

5.  Businesses and workers must actively control against the transmission of COVID-19 while at work, consistent with the latest advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), including considering the application of a hierarchy of appropriate controls where relevant.

6.  Businesses and workers must prepare for the possibility that there will be cases of COVID-19 in the workplace and be ready to respond immediately, appropriately, effectively and efficiently, and consistent with advice from health authorities.

7.  Existing state and territory jurisdiction of WHS compliance and enforcement remains critical. While acknowledging that individual variations across WHS laws mean approaches in different parts of the country may vary, to ensure business and worker confidence, a commitment to a consistent national approach is key. This includes a commitment to communicating what constitutes best practice in prevention, mitigation and response to the risks presented by COVID-19.

8.  Safe Work Australia (SWA), through its tripartite membership, will provide a central hub of WHS guidance and tools that Australian workplaces can use to successfully form the basis of their management of health and safety risks posed by COVID-19.

9.  States and Territories ultimately have the role of providing advice, education, compliance and enforcement of WHS and will leverage the use of the SWA central hub in fulfilling their statutory functions.

10.  The work of the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission will complement the work of SWA, jurisdictions and health authorities to support industries more broadly to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic appropriately, effectively and safely.

OUR COMMUNITY WEBINAR: MANAGING YOUR RETURN TO THE WORKPLACE

This popular free 1hr webinar is available on repeat and will help you plan your return to the workplace with the help of legal experts Moores.  Click here to watch this recording.

STAY UP TO DATE

The aim of these emails is to keep you in the loop and up to date with the most relevant changes, information, and advice but of course it does not replace official Federal or State Government health advice.  

Please check the source links for more information if you are unsure how COVID-19 restrictions may impact your specific ministry activities.

COVID-19 is a constantly evolving situation, and all Affiliates are reminded to stay on top of the latest information. Learn more by referring to trusted sources, such as:

• Australian Government
• Australian Department of Health
• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic)
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Prime Ministers Scott Morrison’s website
• Safe Work Australia
• Worksafe Tasmania

Our Federal and State Governments have started a process to ease the restrictions that were put in place to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). This will be a careful and staged process. The roadmap for this process allows each jurisdiction to decide which restrictions can be eased and when, based on public health advice and local circumstances. 

In addition to each State deciding what is best for its community, so too does each church and agency affiliated with CCVT need to determine what is best for its community.  

This may mean continuing to postpone some activities or events or adapting them.  Continuing our online services and building on that great work is also vital, as the transition from online to face-to-face services won’t happen at the same time for everyone. Many groups have expressed how beneficial the online community has become, and it seems that around the world, church has changed for the better by the building of that resource. Let’s pray that moving forward, we can keep the best of both ways of doing church! We have attached a couple of articles that be food for thought in this area and a blog post by Rob Nyhuis can be found below also.

Remember, in starting up the face-to-face ministries again, we must meet the minimum standards of personal health and hygiene, social distancing, cleaning, and limits of numbers.  Resuming our ministries must be done safely and without posing further risks to others and public health and so that our Churches and agencies can remain open for all of us to come together during these difficult times. 

KEY MESSAGES FOR VICTORIA 

• Victoria’s State of Emergency has been extended to 21 June 2020, but some restrictions have been eased.
• As restrictions ease, it remains important that if you can work from home, you should do so.
• As we begin to settle into a new normal, our message is "stay safe". That means continuing to maintain physical distance from others, take appropriate hygiene precautions, avoid crowds, stay home and get tested if you're unwell.
• More information on current restrictions and how to stay safe can be viewed at Coronavirus (COVID-19) page and https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19

KEY MESSAGES FOR TASMANIA 

No changes this week, but Tassie churches and agencies are encouraged to dive deeper into the requirements around the COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework.

The Government has a plan to ‘Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania’. As part of this plan, all workplaces that are reopening will be required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan that complies with minimum COVID-19 safety standards. 

Workplaces that have continued to operate should consider completing a safety plan by 15 June 2020. Minimum Standards will be introduced by 15 June 2020. Check out all the resources in the Toolbox to help you get set up.

REGISTERING ATTENDANCE / RECORD KEEPING

Encourage attendees to do their part by completing the attendance register, using hand sanitiser and keeping 1.5 metres from others which will help to keep everyone safe while enabling them to continue to practice their faith. 

• Look for the register and complete your details.
• Use hand sanitiser on entry and exit and when requested.
• Keep 1.5 metres space between others – in front, behind and next to you.

Remember, you must ask for details, but people have a right to say no to having their details recorded and they can still participate in the event. 

REMINDER FOR THOSE STARTING UP MEETING IN PEOPLE’S HOMES:

Before inviting friends over, think about how to make the evening as safe as possible. While we can resume some parts of our normal lives, there’s still a way to go.

If you are having friends over, we suggest that you:

• Remind guests that kissing, hugging and handshakes are off-limits for now
• Ask each person to wash their hands upon arrival
• Pre-plan the seating arrangements to ensure social distancing can be followed
• Avoid sharing utensils, cups or eating from shared platters
• Wash your hands regularly, including after clearing the table or packing the dishwasher
• If you or any of your guests come down with flu-like symptoms, or if it will be difficult to maintain physical distancing measures in your home, postpone the event

It’s everyone’s responsibility to limit the spread of #COVID19.

More information: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/social-gatherings-covid-19

CLEANING REQUIREMENTS

Community facilities and Places of Worship need to provide adequate time to clean their facilities between events/activities. If you are now starting to run bible study groups etc in homes, please ensure that the hosts also know how to properly clean and disinfect the space before and after people have attended. 

You must take all reasonable steps to ensure that:

• frequently touched surfaces are cleaned at least twice on any given day;
• surfaces are cleaned when visibly soiled;
• if an event is to occur, a reasonable period of time has elapsed since the conclusion of any earlier event to allow for cleaning in between the events; and
• surfaces are cleaned immediately after a spill on the surface.

To clean, a person must wipe the surface with a disinfectant:

• the label of which states a claim by the manufacturer that the disinfectant has anti-viral properties; or
• made by a person according to instructions issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (see attached guide on cleaning and disinfecting).

Safe Work Australia have also provided some helpful advice on cleaning and disinfecting workplaces and helpful signage and posters. 

HALL HIRE/EXTERNAL GROUPS

Many Affiliates have hall hirers or external groups that regularly use the property for their activities. These groups may be keen to start operating again.

Before allowing these groups to resume, CCVT recommends that you work out the maximum occupancy of each room and set up clear instructions for how rooms must be set up or maintained.

Many churches are requiring hall hirers to sign an additional or new agreement which obliges the hall hirer/group to adhere to the COVID-19 safety procedures. This may include pre and post event cleaning requirements for the space, ensuring provision of hygiene supplies to participants, social distancing requirements, changes to operating hours, reductions to usage fees, and any other particular requirements you may have for the use of your facility.

RESOURCES ON CCVT WEBSITE

There are a number of resources for churches and agencies on the CCVT COVID-19 page of our website, including previous email updates and many of the resources, tools, templates and samples mentioned. Check it out here.

If there is something missing or if you have a resources you think we should add, please let us know!  

ROB NYHUIS BLOG

Check out Rob’s latest blogpost “Toward a Post-COVID-19 Church” at https://wp.me/pVqVv-16q

ONLINE SAFETY

There has been an increase in COVID-19 themed cyber activity towards websites designed to either install software or steal personal information and banking details. Learn more about protecting yourself against cybercrime, or report a cybercrime.

There are a number of resources and articles being developed to assist churches with running online ministry safely: 

• https://safeministrycheck.com.au/practising-safe-ministry-online-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
• https://safeministry.org.au/covid-19-and-safe-ministry/?fbclid=IwAR2lCRKTqn2CCxA1L-36js209zt2tBRSVrZreEfvCTiOFNeZ1VPbk6nRJ5k
• https://jerichoroad.org.au/breaking-the-silence/info-sheets

The office of the eSafety Commissioner provides some excellent resources for all ages on keeping safe online; very timely in what has fast become a new digital environment for many of us.  

If you would like specific advice or assistance with your ministry, please contact Safe Places at CCVT. 

DOOR OF HOPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH INC

Here are some updates on how we’ve adapted and made changes in this season of COVID-19 at Door of Hope.

Immediately moved to on-line platforms only

• No physical church, youth & young adult or kid’s programs. Our staff moved quickly and without fuss in this area.
• Because of the restricted numbers allowed in our main auditorium for recording on-line services, we found pre-recording a great benefit. This allowed us the ability to use many different people for segments (like giving, communion, worship sets, welcome etc.) which has really broadened our reach for the people of our church to see many more people/faces. This has helped with a greater sense of connection and familiarity.  This is also allowing us to see the potential in people who may not have normally been on our radar, allowing them opportunity to share a short segment. 

Facility closed

• Only 2 businesses open (out of our usual 7).
• Due to not being able to see our business owners face to face, we have been very intentional about communicating with them and pastorally caring for them with regular personal contact, encouragement and offers of prayer and support (many of our business owners are not yet Christian).

Intense learning changes

• Our staff have needed to learn new ways of doing things - fast; communicating, programming, working and leading from home.  The atmosphere amongst staff is positive and open; willing to try new things and lead our people through this time.

We’ve learnt to give ourselves permission to realise that this is new territory

• None of us have experienced this before – and we each needed to work through our personal response to navigating through this.  Because of this, we know we will each make mistakes (in our effort to try new things).  We have agreed to give ourselves permission to fail through trial.  We also need to take the pressure off ourselves a little in this way.  There is no road map at this time, we are navigating a new route.

Communication changes

• Our content and method needed to be repositioned.  We immediately implemented additional, relevant social media communication, added more email based communication and will begin mass SMS messages.  
• We are conscious that whilst we need to be present on social media, we do not want to add to the ‘noise’ that is so prevalent.  Finding the balance is key.  We have chosen to remain pro-active and steady in our approach being careful not to be reactive and impulsive or feeling we have to fill every quiet space with noise.  We have introduced some new intentional ‘human touch’ video messages.  
• As Senior Minister, I have personally texted many people, from our church data base as a means of personal connection and encouragement.  
• I have also arranged to ZOOM in to visit our Connect Groups for a 10 minute catch up.  A simple ‘hi’ and encouragement is helpful in helping our people feel connected to the larger church gathering.
• I have also joined our youth/young adults ZOOM gatherings for the same reason as above.
• We decided early on that whilst we didn’t want to pressure our people with lots of new things, there was a need to offer new and different ways to connect (especially those who live alone and completely isolated).  Because of this we introduced more regular prayer gatherings via ZOOM.  We have kept these to 45 minutes and finding that people are really appreciating the ability to connect with others in this way.
• Staff meetings – all our regular staff meetings, plus all ministry team meetings are taking place via ZOOM.
• I implemented an ‘optional’ 30 minute gathering for all staff, fortnightly, as a means to simply catch up and connect with one another.  It also provides an opportunity to ask any questions staff may have.

Pastoral Care 

• Our Pastoral team have quickly adapted and are caring for and supporting our elderly and vulnerable as well as managing those who have enlisted to our ‘self isolation registry’, via our website. The team are now offering personalised grocery shopping for residents of aged care independent living units.

Redeployment

• A very prompt decision was made to redeploy 3 staff almost immediately because their working situations had closed. All other staff are able to continue as normal at this stage.

Cancellations – decisions had to be made about many upcoming events 

• Significant church services (Easter, Mother’s Day) had to immediately be reprogrammed to be more suitable to an online only platform.   
• Flourish (our annual women’s event) made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event – the first in its 18 year history.  With so much planning and preparation, particularly booking of guest speakers and airfares, which mean paying deposits/associated costs, the team felt that with the uncertainty around whether regulations around gatherings the size of Flourish would have come to a close by August, a decision had to be made sooner rather than later about the sustainability of the event.  They were also mindful that registrations would likely be low due to the financial difficulties and concerns that many are facing now and will continue to face in the coming months.  
• Door of Hope was scheduled to host the annual Senior Minister’s Conference in August – we have made the decision to cancel (until 2021) – for the same reasons as Flourish (above)

We have learnt (and have to recognise) that

• Every change, every adaption we make adds another layer of pressure to our staff/leaders.  
• A crisis magnifies reality – people are more open spiritually – we look for security, familiarity, community and leadership.
• With crisis comes an opportunity of furthering our desire to reach our neighbours, family and friends with the good news of Jesus.

“I look at this moment and I have an internal sense of knowing this is where courage defines itself.  

We are not just existing.

This is where we (the Church) become a beacon of light, in the darkness of our fragile and uncertain world.

This is the moment where faith elevates.  

This is the moment when we are fully alive”. 

Steve Fitzallen
Senior Minister

THORNBURY CHURCH OF CHRIST

Where can I start?  God is good!  

• We commenced a twice daily, 30 min prayer time on Zoom at the beginning of lock down and that has continued Monday through Friday and is well attended, one comment was that "there has never been this many people from the church praying together, this often, in the history of Thornbury!"  
• We’ve had a number of people take up the Hope Group Training offered by Together Network.  
• We have continued to open for bread collection twice a week and God has added to us a freezer and the opportunity to distribute over 100 FareShare meals each week to supplement the bread.  
• Our local Neighbourhood house has been offering us toiletries and other essentials which as seen the church hall almost transform into a free mini market.  
• Our monthly community lunches have remained take away only, but we have increased our usual 90 or so meals to 130 due to the increase in demand and the extending of our reach into the community.  
• Our church services and bible studies have been operating live on Zoom and those who can’t join on the day receive a recorded copy to watch later. We have seen a number of previous members re-join us and others logging on to check out church from the comfort of their own homes.  
• We had conveniently booked a builder to replace our front doors in early March, which was complete a couple of weeks ago and we now have the painters engaged on the internals of the church building.  

We are amazed at God’s goodness to us and continue to face challenges with confidence and perseverance knowing that God is with us in the midst of the chaos.   

By the way, the 5th June next year will be our 100th and we are ‘pregnant’ with expectation of what God is going to birth in Thornbury’s later years.  I think the best is yet to come!  

Here are some photos from the last couple of months at Thornbury Church of Christ. 

Sue Maric
Minister

VIDEO REPORT - HOW AUSTRALIAN CHURCHES ARE HANDLING SOCIAL ISOLATION

Partners in Ministry recently surveyed over 180 churches around Australia and across a range of denominations to understand how churches had handled the first 8 weeks of Social Isolation in Australia.
They have prepared a 15 minute video overview of the survey by Peter Mayrick – well worth watching. At the following link you will find both the written report and the video report - Click here.

ALBAN INSTITUTE

Attached you will find two resources that came through the Alban Institute  … both good reflections and resources that could be of assistance to Affiliates.

STAY UP TO DATE

The aim of these emails is to keep you in the loop and up to date with the most relevant changes, information, and advice but of course it does not replace official Federal or State Government health advice.  

Please check the source links for more information if you are unsure how COVID-19 restrictions may impact your specific ministry activities.

COVID-19 is a constantly evolving situation, and all Affiliates are reminded to stay on top of the latest information. Learn more by referring to trusted sources, such as:

• Australian Government
• Australian Department of Health
• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic)
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Prime Ministers Scott Morrison’s website

KEY UPDATE FOR AFFILIATES

It has been exciting to hear stories of what our Affiliates have been doing to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic with all its additional safety issues and the changing restrictions. 

We have seen many existing ministries placed on hiatus, many ministries adapt so they can continue, and many new ministries (or ways of doing ministry) thrive!  It is amazing to see the diversity and blessings that have come about through all these responses.

We also recognise that for many, this has been a time where faith has been challenged, and people have experienced a very difficult, lonely, and stressful time, and are therefore very eager to resume activities and gathering together (the way they used to) as soon as possible. 

Please go slowly and plan well for this – don’t rush in. Remember, just because you can doesn’t mean you should.  On top of acting within the legal restrictions, when considering if and how to resume gatherings Affiliates should proceed with caution, common sense, and with the health and safety of the most vulnerable in mind. In addition, many volunteers and program participants are still dealing with work and family situations that may make it difficult for them to resume their normal duties at church. So, go gently, knowing that God is working in your community, even if you aren’t doing church the way you used to!  

Here is a snapshot for those looking to resume small in-person worship services, bible studies, prayer meetings, and increasing numbers physically attending church to run the online services in Vic/Tas.  Please keep in mind the requirements of social distancing and good hygiene that apply to all our interactions as a first rule of safety.  Stay safe by maintaining good hygiene, keeping your distance from others and if you feel unwell stay home. Organisation must also take into account the four-square metre rule that limits the capacity of a venue/room, even if it is lower than the maximum allowed.

CCVT staff are available to assist you in working out if, when, and how to get gatherings back up and running.  Please get in touch if you need to talk through your situation or if you have questions.   

Victoria (effective 1 June 2020 – 22 June 2020)

Weddings: Maximum of 20 guests in addition to the celebrant and couple getting married. If a wedding is held in a home, a maximum of 20 people is allowed, including the celebrant and the couple.

Funerals: 50 people can attend a funeral in addition to the officiant and funeral staff, subject to the four square metre rule. If a funeral is held in a home, a maximum of 20 people can be present (including the officiant and funeral staff).

Gatherings at home: Up to 20 people in your home at any one time, including the members of your household. You should ensure appropriate physical distancing between yourself and visitors by keeping at least 1.5 metres between them and your household members, and practice good hygiene. You are not obliged to record people’s details if it is a private/personal gathering, but if this is a church gathering/ministry in a home, CCVT asks that you do record who is there in case they need to be contacted due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Gatherings at church property: Places of worship can open for private worship or small religious ceremonies for up to 20 people in a single undivided indoor space, subject to the four square metre rule plus the minimum number of people reasonably required to perform the service or ceremony.

Foodbank/Support Groups/Homeless Services: Affiliates who are hosting essential public support services such as food banks, support groups (e.g. AA, Family Violence etc), or help for the homeless can continue to operate. The 4 square metre rule and physical distancing must be observed in this type of facility for such programs. Support Groups specifically have a limit of 20 people in addition to those reasonably required to host/run the support group program.  

Food and drink facilities such as cafes: Affiliates Churches/agencies who run cafes etc must adhere to the restrictions on restaurants and cafes. Seated dining is now allowed for up to 20 patrons. Please see www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/restaurants-and-cafes-covid19 for more detailed requirements.

Men’s Shed: Up to 20 people in each separate space, in addition to those required to operate the facility and density requirements (one person per four square metres) are complied with.

Work: Where possible, work from home.

For more information: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19 and https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/religion-and-ceremony-restrictions-covid-19

Tasmania (effective from now - 14 June 2020 subject to Public Health advice)

Tassie is currently in Stage 1 of its Roadmap to Recovery.

Weddings: Maximum of 10 people, not including the couple getting married and those required to facilitate the wedding. The 4 square metre rule and physical distancing must be observed. (Apologies for typo in prior email that said 20 people – it’s definitely 10!)

Funerals: Maximum of 20 people can attend an indoor funeral and 30 people can attend an outdoor funeral. Churches currently only need a COVID-19 Safety Plan if over 10 people are attending, but from 15 June 2020, all funerals will be required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.  

Gatherings at home: Maximum of 5 visitors in the home in addition to those who normally live there (even if it is a prayer group or other church activity - if it is a residential house then the 5 visitors rule applies).

Gatherings at church property: Maximum of 10 people (indoors and outdoors) in addition to staff or volunteers present to facilitate the service or ceremony. (Not including weddings/funerals – see above)

Work: Where possible, work from home.

For more information: https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/families-community/gatherings/gatherings-faqs, https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/families-community/current-restrictions, and https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/families-community/roadmap-to-recovery

UPDATES FROM AFFILIATES

HOPE GROUPS

GO202 (Global Outreach Day), an international movement started from Germany, has just promoted our Hope Group training worldwide. Amazing! 

This should get us much closer to reaching our goal of training at least 500 Christians to start at least 100 Hope Groups in the next few months. 

Together Church are currently in discussion with the event organisers to run an online Zoom training session for potentially thousands of people in the second week of June... please pray that this comes about in reality.

Daniel Sih
Network Leader
Together Church

ST KILDA GATEHOUSE

At St Kilda Gatehouse we provide spaces of belonging, connection and safety for women involved in street based sex work in St Kilda, and with young women and girls affected by sexual exploitation. 

Many of those we support are tackling complex issues such as childhood trauma, addiction, homelessness, mental illness, poverty, family violence, and social isolation.

These past couple of months have been particularly difficult for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in our community. Through our three programs we are experiencing an increase demand for a telehealth service, food, food parcels, toiletries, warm clothing, health and family violence referrals. 

And yet we are hearing on a daily basis just how lonely and isolated women and girls are feeling. Last week one woman said to me, “You know what Stace? Covid won’t kill me. Homelessness won’t kill me. Not even the drugs will kill me. But I reckon this loneliness will”.

For 27 years St Kilda Gatehouse has provided spaces of belonging, dignity, connection and hope. Now more than ever it’s vital that our doors remain open. Thank you for your support, donations, encouragement and prayer. 

St Kilda Gatehouse is currently looking for Board members with finance / fundraising background. If you are interested, please contact us. 

Stacey Aslangul
CEO

RICHMOND VIETNAMESE CHURCH OF CHRIST

Richmond Vietnamese Church of Christ have been pumping out handmade face masks for the community!

Check out their work here

RESOURCES:

COVID-19 Family Ministry Roadmap: US based free resource for church leaders with practical ideas and tools to help you navigate the covid-19 reality

Domestic/Family Violence resources: The Safe & Together Institute have a range of resources available for case planning in the time of COVID-19, including virtual options for training and support.

Managing anxiety and stress: Black Dog Institute have a range of evidence-based resources available for anyone trying to manage feelings of anxiety and stress during this time.  

Expert tips for parents: UNICEF have teamed up with the Parenting for Lifelong Health initiative to bring parents and caregivers a set of tips for managing this 'new (temporary) normal'.

Humans Like Us: In recent weeks various agencies have published COVID-19 initiatives. Humans like us have collated all these initiatives, to present it in one single platform on their website. These videos, sound recordings and posters, in pictures and over 30 languages not widely available, explain the best way to wash your hands and keep safe from coronavirus.

Australian Institute of Family Studies - Resources for Families: COVID-19 has had a huge impact on family life. Children home from school, parents working from home, or out of work. Grandparents isolated. Illness and fears for health and safety. It is a stressful time, but it can also be an opportunity for families to pull together and strengthen the bonds between them.

My Hero Is You! A Storybook for kids: A new story book that aims to help children understand and come to terms with COVID-19 has been produced by a collaboration of more than 50 organizations working in the humanitarian sector, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and Save the Children. With the help of a fantasy creature, Ario, “My Hero is You, How kids can fight COVID-19!” explains how children can protect themselves, their families and friends from coronavirus and how to manage difficult emotions when confronted with a new and rapidly changing reality.

PRO BONO ADVICE

If your church or agency needs legal or other advice: 
Pro bono Support from PwC
Justice Connect

STAY UP TO DATE

The aim of these emails is to keep you in the loop and up to date with the most relevant changes, information, and advice but of course it does not replace official Federal or State Government health advice.  

Please check the source links for more information if you are unsure how COVID-19 restrictions may impact your specific ministry activities.

COVID-19 is a constantly evolving situation, and all Affiliates are reminded to stay on top of the latest information. Learn more by referring to trusted sources, such as:

• Australian Government
• Australian Department of Health
• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic)
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Prime Ministers Scott Morrison’s website

SMALL GROUPS

Easing of restrictions means many churches can now re-start small groups/bible studies/connect groups in people’s homes or on church property.

Gatherings at home: Maximum of 5 visitors in the home in addition to those who normally live there. 

Gatherings at church property: Maximum of 10 people at places of worship in addition to those reasonably required to run the facilities/program. 

In addition to the normal social distancing, hygiene, 4m2 rule etc, CCVT recommends first having an open discussion with your participants to make sure they are comfortable with attending.  

Increasing physical interactions is still a risk, and therefore many people may only want to mix with certain people at the beginning (e.g. extended family).  They may want to still limit physical interaction with friends.  All this to say that we should not assume that just because people can now meet, they will want to meet.  Let’s be respectful of the variety of choices and approaches our people will have and do our best to accommodate and support those who are self isolating. 

VIDEO FROM ROB NYHUIS, EO

Here is the link to the latest video from Rob Nyhuis, our CCVT Executive Officer.

VISITING RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITIES

Please remember to take your Flu Vaccination certificate or other proof of vaccination with you when visiting anyone at a nursing home or other residential aged care facilities.  

It is a government requirement that you have had the flu vax, but each facility will also have its own way of taking bookings, recording visitations, recording proof of vaccination, particulars re making exceptions to number of visitations etc, so please call ahead.

See attached pdf for more information on restrictions on entry to aged care facilities from the Australian Dept of Health.

CLEANING REQUIREMENTS

Community facilities and Places of Worship need to provide adequate time to clean their facilities between events/activities. If you are now starting to run bible study groups etc in homes, please ensure that the hosts also know how to properly clean and disinfect the space before and after people have attended. 

You must take all reasonable steps to ensure that:

• frequently touched surfaces are cleaned at least twice on any given day;
• surfaces are cleaned when visibly soiled;
• if an event is to occur, a reasonable period of time has elapsed since the conclusion of any earlier event to allow for cleaning in between the events; and
• surfaces are cleaned immediately after a spill on the surface.

To clean, a person must wipe the surface with a disinfectant:

• the label of which states aclaim by the manufacturer that the disinfectant has anti-viral properties; or
• made by a person according to instructions issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (see attached guide on cleaning and disinfecting).

Safe Work Australia have also provided some helpful advice on cleaning and disinfecting workplaces and helpful signage and posters. 

GUIDE TO RE-OPENING CHURCH SERVICES

It is always interesting to see how other churches and Christian organisations around the world respond to situations.  The Humanitarian Disaster Institute and National Association of Evangelicals in the USA has released a step-by-step, biblically-based and research-based approach to resuming in-person ministries via the website https://www.reopeningthechurch.com (attached as a pdf so you don’t have to download it).  This resource (and the others on their site) may help your church do the same when the appropriate time comes – at the very least it is food for thought as we think about the needs of our local communities. Obviously ignore the American references and always follow the regulations and advice from your local state government regarding your particular situation.

AFFILIATES:

WILLIAMSTOWN CHURCH OF CHRIST:

Mainly Music which is now online asked its 15 participating families to just make a contribution and not its required fees in order to support the families in this environment. MM received donations of $450 that recognises the value of the Program and to ensure its continuation.

Helping Hand Café has experienced new clients accessing food parcels in addition to the usual clients who attend the Café for company and cooked meal. This is providing an expansion of Helping Hand ministry to the community of Hobsons Bay.

Frank Morabito
Treasurer
Williamstown Church of Christ

BORONIA/BAYSWATER CHURCH OF CHRIST:

A team of 'can do' people who have adapted so well! 

• Worship tracks recorded for online worship
• Sermons pre-recorded and uploaded to YouTube
• Daily Devotions recorded on Facebook
• Easter services including children’s participation rendered and uploaded.
• Zoom staff meetings, Small groups, Prayer groups picnics, Hub Clubs, Kids Quest, Emerge Youth and church services run online.
• Skits recorded on zoom
• Interviews recorded on Zoom.
• Pastoral care on zoom.
• Church in a bag (DVD/USB) communion, morning tea and coffee provided to homes.
• The Hub Café has adapted to provide meals for families at an affordable cost and has maintained its costs.

A particular great leadership moment was from Kate Alexander (Generations & Youth/Y.A communications) and the leadership team who trialled meeting in person and over zoom for Wednesday Night Formation (Wednesday service). This involved having the appropriate numbers following restrictions, bean bags for 1.5 metre seating, and a zoom community of the rest of the congregation. Kate and the team set up two zoom screens so we could see the person leading and the rest of the group from zoom in our home and put the online crew on the screen at different times. A highlight for people to come together, and a creative expression of leadership of having in person and online at once!

Looking ahead:

• Continue to stream Church services online. This has had a great success, and we believe that we have maintained many of our church community members through this service. 
• Launch Communion Connect (in person or over zoom) through our small group networks. The idea behind this is that people are missing the chance to participate in communion with others regularly.

Laura Young
Associate Minister (Youth)
Boronia Community Church of Christ

WARRAGUL CHURCH OF CHRIST

Our new full-time Generations Pastor started last Sunday - we did an induction by zoom! 

We have adapted to COVID-19 by pre-recording segments of services (Mission Focus, Communion, Songs, Kids and Message) and sending that out as a 'premiere' on YouTube Sunday at 10 with DVDs delivered to those without online connections. 

The Youth had a 'discord' room space to interact and pastoral follow up with email, zoom and good old fashioned snail mail cards and encouragements have been sent out.

We have used wetransfer.com to send files created by church members, (Missions Posts, Pastoral Prayers, Tributes for members who had passed away during lockdown and of course songs). 

These have been compiled by one of the worship team (Michael Bellingham) where a master track has been sent to a group of people (created by his wife on piano) and they play or sing their part using headphones to stay in time, and send that back, and he combines it and saves a video that we use on Sundays.

Chris Rowney
Team Leader
Warragul Church of Christ

CHELSEA COMMUNITY CHURCH OF CHRIST

We have chosen to wait till we can have 20 people before starting services again, but we have restarted our bible study/prayer meeting as we only have 8 people and can sit in the chapel within required distances. It went really well and the ladies loved it!

We did a debrief, shared what we were thankful for in isolation, and what challenges we had. We talked about how to pray about those challenges. Then we read two translations of Jesus walking on the water and Peter first having faith then taking his eyes off Jesus, which opened up more sharing on people's faith during this pandemic. It was well worth it. 

Judi Turnham
Minister
Chelsea Community Church of Christ

STAY UP TO DATE

COVID-19 is a constantly evolving situation, and all Affiliates are reminded to stay on top of the latest information. Learn more by referring to trusted sources, such as:

• Australian Government
• Australian Department of Health
• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic)
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)   
• Prime Ministers Scott Morrison’s website

KEY UPDATE FOR AFFILIATES

Physical distancing measures are still in place across Australia, however, some states and territories are revising restrictions. 

Here is a snapshot for those looking to resume small in-person worship services, bible studies, prayer meetings, and increasing numbers physically attending church to run the online services in Vic/Tas. 

Please keep in mind the requirements of social distancing and good hygiene that apply to all our interactions as a first rule of safety.  

Organisation must also take into account the four-square metre rule that limits the capacity of a venue/room, even if it is lower than the maximum allowed.

Victoria (effective 12 May 2020 - 31 May 2020)

Weddings: Maximum of 10 guests in addition to the celebrant and couple getting married.

Funerals: Maximum of 20 mourners (indoors) and 30 mourners (outdoors) in addition to the officiant or funeral staff.

Gatherings at home: Maximum of 5 visitors in the home in addition to those who normally live there (even if it is a prayer group or other church activity - if it is a residential house then the 5 visitors rule applies).

Gatherings at church property: Maximum of 10 people at places of worship in addition to those reasonably required to run the facilities/program. The 4 square metre rule and physical distancing must be observed.

Work: Where possible, work from home.

Foodbank/Homeless Services: Churches and agencies who are hosting essential public support services such as food banks, support groups (e.g. AA, Family Violence etc), or help for the homeless can continue to operate. The 4 square metre rule and physical distancing must be observed in this type of facility for such programs. Support Groups specifically have a limit of 10 people in addition to those reasonably required to host/run the support group program.  

Food and drink facilities such as cafes: take away only

For more information go to: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/gradual-easing-restrictions-covid-19 
and www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/stay-home-restrictions-coronavirus 
and www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sport-cultural-and-recreational-activities-restrictions-coronavirus-covid19#religious-services-and-places-of-worship

Tasmania

Tassie is currently in Stage 1 of its Roadmap to Recovery: 

Weddings: Effective 11 May 2020, weddings increase from maximum 5 people, including the couple, the celebrant and the witnesses to maximum of 10 people. The 4 square metre rule and physical distancing must be observed.

Funerals: Effective 11 May 2020, up to 20 people can attend, not including the funeral director and staff. Effective 18 May 2020, up to 30 people can attend an outdoor funeral. Churches currently only need a COVID-19 Safety Plan if over 10 people are attending, but from 15 June 2020, all funerals will be required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.  

Gatherings at home: Maximum of 5 visitors in the home in addition to those who normally live there (even if it is a prayer group or other church activity - if it is a residential house then the 5 visitors rule applies).

Gatherings at church property: Effective 18 May 2020, gatherings increase to a maximum of 10 people (indoors and outdoors).

Work: Where possible, work from home.

For more information go to: https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/families-community/gatherings/gatherings-faqs 
and https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/families-community/roadmap-to-recovery

HOW TO APPLY THE 4 SQUARE METRES RULE

The capacity of the room or space (defined as a single undivided indoor space) is limited to 1 person for every 4 square metres.  E.g.: if an indoor space is 8.5 metres long and 4.5 metres wide, its total area is 38.25 square metres. 38.25 divided by 4 is 9.56, so no more than 9 people would be permitted to be in the indoor space at the same time (round down to nearest whole number).

SIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS

Community facilities and Places of Worship need to display a sign at each public entry to any single undivided indoor space that says what the maximum capacity is based on the 4 square metres rule. You may have different signs for different rooms. 

A simple A4 sheet that says “Due to COVID-19 restrictions the maximum amount of people allowed in this room is __” will suffice. Click here to see template.

CLEANING REQUIREMENTS

Community facilities and Places of Worship need to provide adequate time to clean their facilities between events/activities.

You must take all reasonable steps to ensure that:

• frequently touched surfaces are cleaned at least twice on any given day;
• surfaces are cleaned when visibly soiled;
• if an event is to occur, a reasonable period of time has elapsed since the conclusion of any earlier event to allow for cleaning in between the events; and
• surfaces are cleaned immediately after a spill on the surface.

To clean, a person must wipe the surface with a disinfectant:

• the label of which states a claim by the manufacturer that the disinfectant has anti-viral properties; or
• made by a person according to instructions issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (see this guide on cleaning and disinfecting).

Safe Work Australia have also provided some helpful advice on cleaning and disinfecting workplaces and helpful signage and posters. 

PROVIDING A COVID SAFE WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

All workplaces are now being asked to develop a COVIDSafe plan.

Safe Work Australia offers guidelines and information across 23 industries so that businesses can return to work in a COVID safe environment. A helpful page for churches to use is the small business but you should consider this based on your actual size, activities and programs. Their COVID-19 resource kit contains lots of resources you can download and display in the workplaces, including checklists, infographics, fact sheets for industry and posters on handwashing, hygiene and physical distancing.

You can also go to the COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework for template plans and resources such as the checklist attached to this email.  It’s Tassie sourced but may work for Victorian Affiliates as well.

RECORDING CONTACT DETAILS

Organisations hosting weddings, funerals or ceremonies must request basic contact info from attendees so that in the event that someone tests positive, other can be contacted quickly.

Record first name, phone number, date and time of attendance at the facility. Keep for 28 days then destroy. 

It is not compulsory that an attendee give you this information, but you must ask (except if it is a support group as anonymity may be an important part of the program).

This is good practice for all church and affiliate events where possible, not just weddings and funerals and ceremonies, but be sensible about it and explain what you are asking so that people understand its purpose.

COVIDSAFE APP

The COVIDSafe app speeds up contacting people exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). This helps health officials support and protect you, your friends and family. The app is now available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

As part of your COVIDSafe practices, please remind people to open the app on their phones and make it active when gathering for church or agency purposes. This will help ensure those using the app get maximum benefit from it. You cannot require people to have it or use it, but it’s good to remind people to activate it when meeting together.

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR NOT-FOR-PROFITS WITH FRONT LINE WORKERS

Join lawyers Kaela Hughes and Daniel Komesaroff from Justice Connect for a 30 minute webinar that may be of interest to Coordinators/Ministers providing front line essential services.

This FREE webinar will:

• provide an overview of your legal obligations when it comes to ​the safety ​of your workers
• help your organisation understand key workplace health and safety issues relevant to essential frontline workers ​during the COVID-19 epidemic
• give you practical tips to manage these risks - ​protecting both your workers and your organisation

Click here to access the recording: https://nfplaw.org.au/covid-19-webinar-workplace-health-and-safety-not-profits-front-line-workers

COMMUNITY CARE ‘CAREWORKS’ GRANTS FOR COVID-19 RELATED COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

Community Care will extend its 2020 grant budget to consider requests for grants of up to $10,000. This will be for the funding of community initiatives by Affiliates to assist people in need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such initiatives would include foodbanks, essential provisions, and other related initiatives eligible for Community Care funding.

Eligibility for this grant campaign is for CCVT Affiliates who meet the ACNC benevolent criteria, which states funds need to be applied to an identifiable target group which is recognizably in need of assistance because of poverty, sickness, disability, destitution, suffering, misfortune, helplessness, or other kinds of distress (as specified by the ACNC’s PBI Interpretation Statement Item 5). 

Successful Affiliates with existing benevolent programs will need to provide evidence that these have been subject to financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 and that the identified benevolent service can be delivered to its community.

Triage Framework 

CCVT has implemented a wholistic approach to assisting affiliates through this season. A suite of support services and other funding are on offer. Please email Michael Vanderree at mvanderree@churchesofchrist.org.au to indicate your interest.

If you select ‘Community Care Support for Projects’ in the ‘Affiliate Self-Assessment’ you will be referred to Jo Antoni to obtain the CareWorks Guidelines and Application Form. 

THE INSTITUTE OF COMMUNITY DIRECTORS AUSTRALIA

ICDA is giving the not-for-profit sector access to a library of capacity building resources to help you stay afloat until we get to the other side of COVID-19.

This includes free webinars, help sheets, and policy templates (many of you may already be familiar with their Policy Bank of free templates and sample policies).

Look up topics such as What should I do about my AGM in the midst of COVID-19? and Working from home during the pandemic: Guidelines for not-for-profits

INTERGENERATE AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE

The Intergenerate Australian Conference on 16-17 June 2020 is going online! Speakers include Caesar Kalinowski, Dr Holly Allen, Christina Embree, John Roberto, Don McLafferty, Liz Perraud and more.

$50 - Full two day ONLINE registration

Click here to register: www.intergenerate.com.au/events

AROUND OUR CHURCHES:

Hobart City Church of Christ:

As soon as restrictions prevented us from meeting in person, we decided to produce a weekly pre-recorded worship service.  And so, after seeking advice from other Churches of Christ around the country, we converted the Youth Lounge into a recording studio and have been using only a mobile phone and a flat screen TV to record our services.  Our worship band, depending on restrictions have recorded music each week – whether in twos in loungerooms – or now as a larger group – to develop a database should we ever need to go down this path again.  

After editing, rendering, and compressing – the worship service is uploaded to our YouTube Channel and burnt to DVD so that the 20 or so in our community who do not have internet access can also worship using the same resources. 

Our children's ministry has also gone online, with weekly videos and activity packs being utilised with the kids being encouraged to share and connect via a closed Facebook Group through their parent's accounts.  What we have seen is more families worshipping together and engaging in the kids' ministry together. 

While our attendance on Sundays hovered around 100, engagement with the digital ministry is closer to 200.  We even had a family from rural Eyre Peninsula in South Australia find us via YouTube, engage in worship and then want to give an offering to support the ministry.  

While we are socially distanced, God has been socially connecting us in new and exciting ways. 

Simon Clemow
Senior Pastor

 

City Heart Church of Christ (formerly Stawell CoC)

Lockdown is the perfect time to finally do stuff that were previously put off to a "better time".....well, that time is now! 

Terry Dunn, minister in Stawell put his handy-person skills to work, repairing the old floor in the church, taking full advantage of the church being closed to people. While at it, he built a new sound booth. "Been waiting around 3 yrs. to have the time to do that. I just love the way our God plans our path. We are determined to prosper in the times we are presented with. Hard times are only as bad as you let them be I think", says Terry. What more, weave prayer into the physical work, and draw lessons like "when building a church foundation come first". 

We would love to know how your church or agency is adapting to the current crisis, and how God is moving and working within your community in big and small ways – email us at safeplaces@churchesofchrist.org.au so we can be an encouragement to one another.

STAY UP TO DATE

COVID-19 is a constantly evolving situation, and all Affiliates are reminded to stay on top of the latest information. Learn more by referring to trusted sources, such as:

• Australian Government
• Australian Department of Health
• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic)
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)  
• Prime Ministers Scott Morrison’s website

CCVT NEWS RELEASE:
COVID-19 FINANCIAL RELIEF FOR CCVT AFFILIATES

The CCVT Board and staff have been hard at work in recent weeks, looking at ways that we can practically assist and work with our churches and agencies to support their ongoing ministry given the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis.

A framework for CCVT assistance with the associated financial hardship is now available to CCVT-affiliated churches and agencies which consists of the following four key components.

1. Financial relief for CCVT Ministry Contributions, CCFS loan repayments, and CCI insurance premiums.
2. Initiation of the ‘Joseph Fund’ to provide financial relief in supporting ministers’ stipends where Affiliates face substantial reductions in giving due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Additional Community Care ‘CareWorks’ funding for the current community initiatives of affiliated churches or agencies.
4. Discounted pricing for ‘ChurchWorx’ accounting and payroll services to assist Affiliates with financial reporting, payroll and access to external relief such as government funding.

Please see the attached PDF for further details, including how your church or agency can access support. 

Watch a video from Rob Nyhuis, CCVT Executive Officer

Please ensure all members of your senior leadership team are aware of this support, as not everyone receives these update emails.

JOBKEEPER PAYMENTS

The Government has passed legislation for the $130 billion JobKeeper Payment to keep more Australians in jobs.  Under the JobKeeper Payment, eligible businesses and not-for-profits significantly impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak will be able to access a wage subsidy of $1,500 per fortnight per employee for 6 months (from 30 March 2020 till 27 September 2020).

Affiliates who meet the employer eligibility criteria and wish to participate in the program will need to register their interest via the Australian Tax Office website. 

Please register before 26 April 2020 to access support from its first available payment. Click here to read more.

This helpful article by Saward Dawson also helps to explain it: www.sawarddawson.com.au/business/articles/jobkeeper-payment

If you need specific advice on how the JobKeeper payment works in relation to ministry stipends, please email Jason Patar or Kevin Pang at CCVT or call 03 9488 8800.

CCVT CLUSTERS

For a number of years CCVT has promoted regional clusters as a means of helping Ministers stay connected and providing encouragement and support to those in ministry within the same geographical region.

Zoom clusters are now doing the same thing but without the challenges of distance.

A few clusters have already been set up for Senior/Team Leaders and solo Pastors and we will soon be hosting more, including for ministry associates. Each cluster is capped at 15 people to encourage high engagement for conversation.

The plan is to roll these out over a number of weeks so stay tuned for an email invite hitting your inbox, or if you need immediate info, please contact Michael Vanderree on 0438 754 770 or mvanderree@churchesofchrist.org.au. 

HOPE GROUPS - A SIMPLE WAY TO MOBILISE YOUR CHURCH ON MISSION

Do you need a practical way to help your congregation reach out to their unchurched friends at "such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14).

If so, we invite you to register for Hope Groups training!

This initiative, started by Together Church in Tasmania, is gaining momentum across Australia. They are offering free training for any Christian who is willing to invite their unchurched friends to experience hope and help through the teachings of Jesus. 

A Hope Group is a group of 2-3 people who meet online each week to experience hope, help and community with friends and neighbours who do not yet know Jesus (see flyer attached).  It follows a simple format: say what we're thankful for, what is a challenge, read a scripture of hope from the life of Jesus, commit to helping a friend in need, and close with a short prayer. Easy!

These groups are specifically designed to help people who feel socially isolated during a pandemic.

Dozens of Hope Groups have popped up in the last 2 weeks across Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland... even Germany and Canada! They plan to train 100 people a week and would love you to visit the Together Network website and register for the free 1.5 hour training.

Click here to register for training: www.togethernetwork.com.au/training.

Click here to view the Together Network website (an initiative of Together Church): www.togethernetwork.com.au

HOUSE CHURCH PLANTING WEBINAR

A free one day webinar designed to equip anyone in the planting of healthy reproducible house churches. HCP is very simple and helps even a new believer to understand the basics of how to share the Gospel and gather believers. The training will be delivered via Zoom. Click here to view the flyer.

John Bond and Daron Crothers are Churches of Christ ministers in Western Australia. Besides being experienced course facilitators for DCPI International, they are pastors and more importantly, passionate practicing church planters themselves.

Registration closes Thursday 7 May 2020 so please book in here asap. For more Information, contact Daron at info@dcpi-asep.org or 0402 448 552

Please let Philip Kua of our office know if you are registering pkua@churchesofchrist.org.au so that he can also follow up with you afterwards.

ALPHA AND ALPHA YOUTH – NOW ONLINE

Did you know you can run Alpha and Alpha Youth online?

Alpha is a tool built for local churches. Alpha is a series of interactive sessions exploring the basics of the Christian faith. Typically run over eight to eleven weeks, each session looks at a different question around faith, and the talks are designed to create conversation in small groups afterwards. 

It’s totally free, it’s run all over the globe, and everyone’s welcome.  TO find a group, or learn more about running your own, check out www.alpha.org.au/online for more information.

AROUND OUR CHURCHES:

It has been so encouraging to hear the positive stories coming out of our churches during COVID-19:

Mornington Church of Christ have started a Lunchtime Bible Study on Zoom looking at the story of Job. They have had some great take up, including a guy who is still working who joins in from work during his break. A great opportunity for a ministry you can start now but which can also continue when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Ringwood Church of Christ are hosting a Virtual Foyer after the Sunday service where the congregation is invited to join a Zoom session to meet and mingle after church. It is well received with really high take up.

Ballarat Central Church of Christ have a fairly low tech church, so Tim has started using www.freeconference.com which enables people to join meetings by phone or by web, share your screen, and chat, all for free. This is how they are doing church and people are joining in. If the church purchases a licence then they get a toll free number which is great for people will limited resources.

Carnegie Church have converted their back hall into a functioning studio for recording and live-streaming.

• Normal Sunday attendance at worship services is around 50, they have been getting weekly hits on their live stream of about 140.
• Samantha’s Playgroup that normally has 20 mums attending, has been getting 85 hits per week on live stream.
• Offerings during recent weeks have been up an average of $600.00 per week.
• In recent times have seen salvations and the Holy Spirit moving powerfully as people are set free.  

We would love to know how your church or agency is adapting to the current crisis, and how God is moving and working within your community in big and small ways – email us at safeplaces@churchesofchrist.org.au so we can be an encouragement to one another.

STAY UP TO DATE

COVID-19 is a constantly evolving situation, and all Affiliates are reminded to stay on top of the latest information. Learn more by referring to trusted sources, such as:

• Australian Government
• Australian Department of Health
• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic)
• Dept of Health (Tas)
• World Health Organisation
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)  
• Smart Traveller
• Prime Ministers Scott Morrison’s website

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR AFFILIATES EXPERIENCING HARDSHIP DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

Churches of Christ Vic Tas (CCVT) and Churches of Christ Financial Services (CCFS) want our churches and agencies to know that you are not alone in the current crisis.

Currently, CCFS is offering support on a case by case basis and have a range of measures being presented to our board for their consideration. CCFS encourages any church that may be experiencing financial hardship due to the Coronavirus to contact the CCFS office to apply for a loan repayment review. 

This will help CCFS work in partnership with your church to ensure your funds can be used most effectively for the continued ministry of Church of Christ churches in their communities.

The CCFS office can be contacted during business hours via the Contact Us link on this website or alternatively, you can discuss options with your Relationship Manager whose contact details can be found here.

In addition, CCVT will soon be offering some relief to Affiliates on the current Ministry Contributions and further details will be available shortly, as will more specific information on other forms of financial assistance for Affiliates.

JOBKEEPER PAYMENTS

The Government has passed legislation for the $130 billion JobKeeper Payment to keep more Australians in jobs.  Under the JobKeeper Payment, eligible businesses and not-for-profits significantly impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak will be able to access a wage subsidy of $1,500 per fortnight per employee until 27 September 2020. This assistance will help businesses to keep people in their jobs and re-start when the crisis is over. For employees, this means they can keep their job and earn an income.

Affiliates who meet the employer eligibility criteria and wish to participate will need to register their interest via the Australian Tax Office website. Click here to read more.

See the JobKeeper FAQ doc attached or click here to read this and other factsheets online.  

If you need specific advice on how the JobKeeper payment works in relation to ministry stipends, please email Jason Patar or Kevin Pang at CCVT.

AFFLIATES AND COMMERICAL TENANCIES

National Cabinet agreed to a moratorium on evictions over the next six months for commercial and residential tenancies in financial distress who are unable to meet their commitments due to the impact of coronavirus. Commercial tenants, landlords and financial institutions are encouraged to sit down together to find a way through to ensure that businesses can survive and be there on the other side.

The National Cabinet has agreed that states and territories will implement a mandatory Code of Conduct for commercial tenancies. The purpose of this Code of Conduct (“the Code”) is to impose a set of good faith leasing principles for application to commercial tenancies (including retail, office and industrial) between owners/operators/other landlords and tenants, where the tenant is an eligible business for the purpose of the Commonwealth Government’s JobKeeper programme. These principles will apply to negotiating amendments in good faith to existing leasing arrangements – to aid the management of cashflow for SME tenants and landlords on a proportionate basis – as a result of the impact and commercial disruption caused by the economic impacts of industry and government responses to the declared Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic.

If you require support or advice with regard to your commercial lease, please contact your local managing real-estate agent (where applicable) as they will have resources available to guide you in this time. Where this is not possible please feel free to call Robert Palma at CCVT. 

STREAMING SERVICES

As you know, the general rule is to stay at home unless you are:

• going to work or education (if you are unable to do so at home)
• shopping for essential supplies such as groceries, return home without delay
• going out for personal exercise in the neighbourhood, on your own or with one other
• attending medical appointments or compassionate visits

From 3 April, churches and other places of worship, are considered ‘places of work’ so services can be streamed to the community. This will ensure that religious services remain accessible to congregations. Services may be conducted and streamed providing:

• only essential staff (paid or volunteer) are present
• the venue/facility remains closed to the public
• social distancing principles are adhered to — 1 person per 4 square metres

Reminder: attending a workplace is only allowed if you are unable to work from home – please move towards enabling your ministry staff to work from home wherever possible, including the streaming of services.  It may be more convenient to use the church but gathering together increases risk to health.

Whenever you are out of the home, everyone should always practice good physical distancing and hand hygiene but this is especially important for people over the age of 70, those over 65 years who have existing health concerns, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the aged of 50 who have existing health concerns. These groups should limit the contact with others as much as possible when away from home. 

Source: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others-from-coronavirus-covid-19/limits-on-public-gatherings-for-coronavirus-covid-19#nonessential-gatherings

HILLSONG MUSIC AND LICENCING

Please see this info sheet from Hillsong about use of their music in your online streaming of services.

CCLI (AUS)

Christian Copyright Licensing, Inc. (CCLI) enables real-time access to licensed Christian music and media while at once easing the burden of administration in the many complex issues related to copyright. 

They have a solution for Churches who want to stay connected by streaming the worship service, including music. CCLI negotiated a pricing structure for the Church Streaming License that is very low to provide you as much support as possible.

Even if you already have an existing CCLI licence, we recommend you double check that you have the right one as there are a few options to choose from. 

An update from CCLI about the coronavirus can be found here: https://au.ccli.com/coronavirus.

ONLINE SAFETY

There has been an increase in COVID-19 themed cyber activity towards websites designed to either install software or steal personal information and banking details. Learn more about protecting yourself against cybercrime, or report a cybercrime.

There are a number of resources and articles being developed to assist churches with running online ministry safely: https://safeministrycheck.com.au/practising-safe-ministry-online-during-the-covid-19-pandemic.

The office of the eSafety Commissioner provides some excellent resources for all ages on keeping safe online; very timely in what has fast become a new digital environment for many of us.  

ACCESSIBILITY OF ONLINE CHURCH SERVICES AND RESOURCES

There are some amazing recordings, podcasts and livestreaming church services hitting the web every week – but not all of them are easy to find, especially to those who are not experienced in this sort of thing! 

Please make sure they are easily found on your church website – aim for one click from front page to service/resource.

EMERGENCY RELIEF RESOURCES

If you have people in your community who need assistance with essentials, here are some resources you can direct them towards or assist them to access.

Steeple Grocery Packs: 
Help feed some of the most vulnerable, isolated and at risk people in our communities by purchasing a Steeple Coffee Grocery Box Subscription, buying a one off pack for yourself or for one of our friends at Servant’s Housing!

Ask Izzy:
Click here to see what services are available for people in your local area (based on postcode).  Includes food pantries, community meals, housing, health, counselling, and many more services.

Vic Govt:
Emergency Relief Packages For Victorians Who Need It Most: If you are in mandatory self-isolation (with no support network) you can receive 2 weeks supply of essential goods. Contact the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398. The hotline can also refer to other support services.

Priority grocery delivery:
To ensure vulnerable customers in the community have access to delivery services at this time, Woolworths and Coles will be providing a Priority Assistance service. Eligible customers include seniors, people with a disability and those with compromised immunity or who are required to self isolate. For more information go to Woolworth Priority Assistance and Coles Online Priority Service.

Basic grocery boxes for $80 including delivery:
The Woolworths Basics Box and Coles Community Box are designed to help provide essential products for customers who are currently unable to visit stores and are in genuine need.  It helps provide meals, snacks and a few essential items you may need, including toilet paper.

Delivered via Australia Post. You can now order on behalf of someone in your family or community who is in genuine need.

INCREASED RISK OF FAMILY/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Ministers and other pastoral carers are reminded to be aware of the increased risk for family violence during this difficult time. The COVID-19 outbreak and self-isolation requirements may impact individuals and families within your faith community and the wider community. There may be financial pressure, family tensions or a heightened sense of uncertainty and anxiety. No matter what the external stressors, violence should not be tolerated. Please familiarise yourself with the services in your area and always call 000 if someone in immediate danger.

Vic: Family violence crisis response and support during coronavirus
Tas: Family Violence Counselling and Support Services
National: 1800Respect

NUBEENA CHURCH OF CHRIST

Nubeena Church of Christ are on local radio each Sunday at 10am (until Covid19 lockdown is over)! You can tune in to 97.7 Tasman FM on your internet to join in the service and hear Pastor Keith Marsh share messages of hope in Christ.

PRAYER

Just a reminder that CCVT staff meet online every week and pray for our Affiliates and their leaders and communities. We would love to hear about your prayer needs.

It has been great to hear that many churches and individuals have been in prayer throughout the coronavirus crisis. Whilst the official campaign for daily 7pm prayer finished at Easter, it would be wonderful to see people continuing to intercede for local communities, church leaders, front-line medical workers and those in our nation hardest hit by this virus.

We would greatly appreciate receiving any stories related to online services, community support or prayer that we could share with the CCVT family. Please forward any contributions by email to ccvt@churchesofchrist.org.au.

NATIONAL CORONAVIRUS HELPLINE

If you or people within your church/agency have questions or concerns about coronavirus you can call the National Coronavirus Helpline for information and advice. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Ph: 1800 020 080

Please remember that the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is there to help people who do not speak English connect with the National Hotline and other services. Ph: 131 450

STAY UP TO DATE

COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving situation, and all Affiliates are reminded to stay on top of the latest information. Learn more by referring to trusted sources, such as:

• Australian Government
• Australian Department of Health
• Dept of Health and Human Services (Vic)
• Dept of Health (Tas) 
• World Health Organisation
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line Ph: 1800 020 080 (24/7)  
• Smart Traveller
• Prime Ministers Scott Morrison’s website

Along with the email updates, the CCVT website has a new Coronavirus page at www.churchesofchrist.org.au/coronavirus. Please bookmark this to your browser. If you have any resources or suggestions for this page, please email safeplaces@churchesofchrist.org.au with details.