Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews recently announced a deepening of the state’s restrictions in response to the COVID-19 crisis – to Stage four.

Many of these new restrictions are set to impact small business – with sweeping shutdowns for retail, manufacturing and professional services industries as well as increased limitations on construction and transport.

Manufacturers of textiles, leather, clothing, knitwear and appliances will shut down any on-site work. But retail banking will remain open.

Businesses that are forced to close in metro Melbourne due to stage four, and those in regional Victoria now closed as a result of stage three, may be eligible for a $5,000 grant from the Victorian Government.

Those in metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire who have already been awarded $5000 Business Support Fund grants as part of the stage four restrictions may also now be eligible to receive a further $5,000, as these businesses have been under restrictions for longer than the six weeks originally announced.

Visit the Business Victoria website to learn more about the extension to the Business Support Fund, and how you can apply.

In addition, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a fortnight’s $1500 ‘pandemic leave disaster payment’ for Victorian workers without sick leave who are directed to stay at home and self-isolate by a public health official.

The Prime Minister said that people that qualify will be able to access the payment more than once, if they need to self-isolate multiple times.

For more information, and to see the latest news from the Victorian Government regarding stage four restrictions and the continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the dedicated Department of Health and Human Services website.

The above information is a brief summary only and does not take into account your personal needs and is not a substitute for independent professional advice. We strongly recommend that you speak to your accountant as they will be able to provide you the most suitable advice for your individual circumstance and to ensure that you are also always receiving the most up to date information.