Stage 3 restrictions

Stage 3 restrictions came into effect in regional Victoria on 6 August 2020.

This means there are only four reasons to leave you home:

• Care and caregiving
• Daily exercise
• Work and study – if you can’t do it from home
• Shopping for food and essential items. We encourage you to support Ballarat businesses

Get tested 

Get tested if you have symptoms of coronavirus, however mild. 

There are now two COVID-19 testing clinics in Ballarat. Anyone who is showing even the mildest of symptoms should get tested. 

Testing is currently available to people with the following symptoms: fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of sense of smell or taste. 

Booking a test is simple:

• Ballarat Community Health COVID-19 testing centre located at the Ballarat Senior Citizens Centre in Little Bridge Street. To book an appointment, call 1800 054 172 

• Ballarat UFS COVID-19 testing clinic located in Lucas. To book an appointment, call 03 4311 1571 

You must return home immediately after the test and remain in self-isolation until you receive your test result. 

Practice good hygiene  

Good hygiene is critical for slowing the spread of coronavirus. Everyone should be taking the following hygiene actions: 

Wash your hands 

• Wash your hands regularly with for at least 20 seconds, using soap and water or use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 percent alcohol 

• Wash your hands when you get home, arrive at other people’s homes, at venues or at work 

• Wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or using the toilet 

Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands 

• Cover your nose or mouth with a tissue, then throw it away and wash your hands 

• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands 

• Do not share drink bottles, glasses, crockery or cutlery other than with people you live with 

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/staying-safe-covid-19 

Keep your distance 

• Stay 1.5 metres away from anyone you don’t live with 

• Greet people with a smile or wave - don’t shake hands, hug or kiss as a greeting 

• When waiting in line or walking through busy areas, be patient, give others space so they can give you yours 

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/staying-safe-covid-19 

Face masks are now mandatory

Victorians are now required to wear a face covering when leaving home.

If you cannot purchase or make a face mask an alternative form of covering including a scarf or bandana may be used. 

And while it's important we're all wearing a mask and protecting one another, it doesn't mean they can't be stylish. To help you in your search for a mask, we've put together a list of local creators and businesses currently making and selling them.

How to make a cloth face mask (Vic Gov, DHHS) 

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/staying-safe-covid-19 

Putting on and taking off a face mask requires strict hygiene practices so that you don't accidentally transfer the virus to yourself or others. 

Ballarat Health demonstrate how 

References and for more information: 

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/how-stay-safe-and-well-covid-19 

https://www.bhs.org.au/news-and-events/covid-19-information/