Alpine Health stands up additional testing sites for pre-departure ski resort tests

The state government is requiring pre-departure testing for all individuals aged 12 years and over - metro and regional.

People require a COVID-19 test and receipt of a negative result within 72 hours for visitors and within seven days for people who work in the resorts.

Pre-departure testing can be accessed at most COVID-19 testing sites in Victoria, but GP respiratory clinics do not accept testing for people who do not have symptoms unless they've been at an exposure site.

Alpine Health recommends people visit their local pathology clinic or drive-through testing facilities.

Lifts began spinning again yesterday, with fresh snow on the mountains - after 12 days of lost visitation and ideal ski conditions.

The state and federal governments have announced an Alpine business support fund alongside new statewide support.

There will be $9.8 million put to distributing grants of between $5000 and $20,000 for 430 Alpine based businesses in recognition of restricted inter- and intra-state travel during the peak of the ski season.

The funding also includes an additional $5 million support to Alpine resort operators and management boards.

Victoria Tourism Industry Council chief executive Felicia Mariani welcomed the funding.

"It was really pleasing to see an acknowledgement of the challenges confronting our Alpine operators after having two consecutive ski seasons hit by statewide lockdowns, and the introduction of mandatory COVID testing for visitors wanting to travel to the ski fields," she said.

"While no package can ever replace the revenues lost, this support will help Alpine resorts and the businesses that rely on their trade in trying to survive yet another disappointing season.

"The package of measures announced today goes a significant way towards meeting the needs of many businesses who cannot immediately snap back."

IN OTHER NEWS:

A $156 million business continuity fund will be established to deliver $5000 grants to up to around 30,000 businesses that remain impacted by capacity limits placed on businesses by necessary public health restrictions.

Twenty-four eligible sectors are covered including gyms, cafes, restaurants, catering and hairdressers.

Alpine test sites (9am-4pm, 7 days)