People living in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will now be required to wear a face covering or mask when outside their homes. 

This rule will take effect from 11:59pm Wednesday 22 July, but for those who can, please start wearing yours immediately. 

You can be fined $200 for not wearing a face covering outside your home.

By covering our faces, we’re protecting ourselves, our families and every member of our community. So just as you remember your house keys and phone when you go out, please remember to take something to cover your face.

There will be some reasons not to wear a face covering. For example, those who have a medical reason, children under 12, those who have a professional reason or if it’s just not practical, like when running – however you will still be expected to carry your face covering at all times to wear when you can.

The Chief Health Officer of Victoria has issued this new direction, based on the latest evidence and the patterns and number of cases we are seeing. Find out more on the Restrictions: Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire webpage or Council's FAQ webpage.

Stay at Home Directions

It is still important that we stay at home, except for the four reasons:

• Shopping for essentials
• Care giving or receiving medical care
• Outdoor exercise
• Work or study, if you cannot do it from home

We must also try to maintain 1.5m physical distance, and maintain good hand hygiene. 

If we have even mild symptoms, we should get tested, and stay at home while waiting for the results. 

The Victorian Government’s one-off $1500 worker support payment is still available to support Victorian workers, including those in aged care, who have been instructed to stay home because they’ve had a positive test or need to self-isolate as a close contact.

For information about coronavirus or to find your nearest testing site, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or call 1800 675 398.

If you need extra support during this time, we have a list of agencies and contact details providing relief, mental health and family supports and more. 

To receive timely updates from Council, now would be a great time to subscribe to Whitehorse eNews, or ‘like’ our Whitehorse Facebook page. 

Translated Resources

COVID-19 translated information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, health professionals and industry can be found on the DHHS website or download them below. Information includes factsheets and promotional materials.

Chinese - Simplified and Traditional 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 简体中文 / 繁體中文
Including Mandarin and Cantonese audio files - 普通话/广东话

Greek

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Ελληνικά

Hindi

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - हिन्दी

Italian

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Italiano

Korean

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 한국어

Persian (Farsi)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - فارسی

Vietnamese

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - tiếng Việt

To stay in touch with Council

• Contact Us using our online form
• You can still Pay | Apply | Report online
• Follow us on Facebook @WhitehorseCityCouncil
• Check our website for updates: Latest News and COVID-19 Response
• You can contact us directly by phone on 9262 6333 or email at customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au 
• You can contact Councillors directly. Their contact details are available at Councillors and Wards page
• National Translation and Interpreting Service (TIS)
  • Phone 131 450 and say the name of the language you need
  • TIS will connect you with an interpreter 
  • Ask to speak to Whitehorse City Council (or other government services)
• National Relay Service (quote 9262 6333 for Whitehorse City Council)
  • Voice calls: 133 677
  • Speak and listen: 1300 555 727
  • SMS relay: 0423 677 767
  • Internet relay: www.relayservice.gov.au

See a full list of Council closures and amended services  

For the latest information, fact sheets, video announcements and media releases regarding COVID-19, visit DHHS Coronavirus webpage. 

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