From 11:59pm, Tuesday 18 January, workers in emergency services, education, critical utilities, custodial facilities, transport and freight will join workers in the food production sector as being eligible for the isolation exemption.

Works may return to their workplace if it is necessary for continuity of operations and if other options have been exhausted.

“This is about helping Victorians keep food on the table, lights on in the house and staff on in our hospitals,” said Premier Daniel Andrews.

If both the employer and worker consent to returning to work they must take a daily Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) for five days and return a negative result prior to attending work each day.

They must wear a face mask at all times, with exceptions in the case of eating or drinking, or safety reasons, and a P2/N95 respirator is preferred.

“The worker’s rights are protected, and they can’t be directed to work if they are a contact – the worker has to agree to come in, just as they have to agree to the various preventative measures that will reduce risks for others,” said Mr Andrews.

The worker cannot enter shared break areas and the employer must try and facilitate solo break time.

If a worker becomes symptomatic or returns a positive RAT the exception no longer applies.

The exemption order is identical to that granted by Victoria’s public health team for key food and beverage workers, and is designed to protect the state’s essential workforce during the continuing Omicron wave.

The Department of Health has also updated its contact management guidelines to require workplaces to notify the Department when five cases have attended the work premises within seven days.

Previously, workplaces were required to advise the Department and Worksafe of single cases.

More information on the conditions of the exemption and applicable cohorts of workers will be published at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/isolation-exemptions when they come into effect at 11:59pm, Tuesday 18 January.