9 August 2021
Regional Masonic Centres, Lodges, may re-open
The State Government has today (Monday 9 August) announced that some lockdown restrictions are to be lifted in regional Victoria from 11:59pm tonight.
This means that regional Victorian Masonic Centres and Lodges may re-open, subject to strict Government regulation, from first thing Tuesday 10 August 2021. There continues to be strict rules including mandatory wearing of masks indoors and outdoors, compulsory use of QR codes, and density rules of 4sqM.
All members are urged to check the State Government rules, which are subject to change at short notice.
QR Codes
Amongst the requirements are the mandatory use of QR codes at all meetings. Details of an acceptable additional ‘Kiosk' sign-in system can be found here ».
Prepare a COVID-Safe Plan
All Masonic Centres need to adopt a COVID-Safe Plan by completing and displaying the relevant information. A template can be downloaded on the Victorian Government webpage. More »
COVID ‘check-in' Marshal
Every Lodge must appoint a COVID check-in Marshal who is responsible for ensuring each person who enters Lodge uses the Service Victoria QR code to check in on arrival (or an alternative record keeping method, where relevant). A COVID check-in Marshal can only request that people entering show them confirmation of a successful check-in and cannot compel anyone to do so.
What is the difference between a COVID Marshal and a COVID check-in Marshal?
COVID Marshals are responsible for monitoring a worksite’s compliance with its COVIDSafe Plan and additional industry-specific obligations. COVID check-in Marshals are responsible for making sure guests check-in on arrival. For more on Marshals, see here.
Masonic centres and Lodges in the Greater Melbourne area may not re-open. Greater Melbourne remains in lockdown. People in Greater Melbourne are, generally, not permitted to travel to regional Victoria.
The Grand Secretariat continues to send best wishes to all members and their families across Victoria in these challenging times.
Fraternally,
RWBro. Garry Runge OAM JP
Grand Secretary
