Port Phillip Council is reopening its facilities to the public with double vaccination required to visit town hall counters and libraries.
The Service Delivery Vaccination Policy was formally adopted at last night’s Council Meeting. The double vaccination requirement, which aligns with the Victorian Government’s roadmap, allows Council to comply with COVID-19 rules while promoting the health and well-being of its workers, customers and community.
Mayor Louise Crawford said the risk-based policy was designed to provide options, where
practical, for customers who are unvaccinated or who don’t want to access a face to face service.
The policy does not apply to people with a valid medical exemption.
To learn more about vaccination requirements to access a range of Council building and services, and alternate options, go to https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/people-and-community/coronaviruscovid-19/council-services-vaccination-requirements
Under the change, customers are required to be fully vaccinated if they want to access a face to face service where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is considered medium or high, such as libraries or ASSIST counters at town halls.
Alternatives to visiting libraries can include a click and collect home delivery or downloading ebooks and the ASSIST service continues to be available via phone or online.
While Council meeting attendees must be fully vaccinated, people can still ask questions online during the live streams or submit written questions.
“This policy is a major component of our own roadmap to safely support our City’s social and economic recovery from the pandemic,” Cr Crawford said.
“As a key service provider, it’s imperative we provide safe workplaces and facilities for both our employees and the many people who visit them.”
Cr Crawford said early feedback from concierges on hand to assist people to navigate the new system is that customers are being polite and patient.
“It may take a little longer to access some services as our customers become familiar with the change so we appreciate our community’s support as we welcome them back to our buildings and services.”