COVID-19 - Market Update
COVID-19 Update: Wednesday 10 November, 2021
A staff member at one of our Market stalls has tested positive for COVID-19:
Stall: Aptus Seafoods
Onsite: Sunday 7 November
We encourage anyone that shopped at this stall on Sunday to get tested.
The Market is open as usual, however Aptus Seafoods will be closed today while staff get tested and the stall undergoes a thorough clean. The stall will reopen once given approval from the Department of Health.
Further information can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
COVID-19 Update: 25 October 2021
We are thrilled to share the news that after more than twelve weeks of being closed during lockdown, our general retailers will reopen this Saturday - meaning the WHOLE Market will once again be open!
Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that the state will reach its 80% double vaccination target on Friday 29 October, and further easing of restrictions on the roadmap will come into affect from 6pm that day.
What does this mean for the Market:
- All general retails stalls (eg. fashion, homewares, florists, gift shops, SO:ME Space etc) will reopen from Saturday 30 October
- Hairdressing, beauty services and massage traders are open for fully vaccinated customers
- The Market Food Hall's indoor seating will return
- Cafes and restaurants will be open for fully vaccinated customers
When visiting the Market, please ensure you:
- wear a fitted face mask at all times (except when seated to consume food and drink or if a medical exemption applies)
- check-in using the QR codes at Market and stall entrances
- adhere to physical distancing requirements and stall capacity limits (density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm indoors)
Further information can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
Click the button below to read about the COVID-19 safety measures in place at South Melbourne Market and tips for shopping at the Market at this time.
COVID-19 Update: Friday 22 October, 2021
A staff member at one of our Market stalls has tested positive for COVID-19:
Stall: Frank's Fruit & Veg
Onsite: Sunday 17 October
We encourage anyone that shopped at this stall on Sunday to get tested.
The Market will remain open as usual, however Frank's Fruit & Veg will be closed today and tomorrow, and undergo a thorough clean this evening. The stall will reopen on Sunday 24 October.
Further information can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
COVID-19 Update: Tuesday 19 October, 2021
This week, Premier Daniel Andrews announced an update to the Roadmap to Reopening with some restrictions set to ease from 11:59pm on Thursday 21 October.
What does this mean for the Market:
- Restaurants and cafes will be able to reopen for dine-in service with up to 20 people indoors and up to 50 people outdoors with density limits, and only if all attendees are fully vaccinated
- Hairdressing, beauty services and massage can reopen for up to five fully vaccinated people
- Outdoor general retail and those with street frontage can reopen (eg. Azalea Florist)
The curfew and the 15km travel radius will also be lifted within metro Melbourne, so we look forward to welcoming back our customers from beyond the 15km radius from this Friday!
When shopping at the Market, please ensure you:
- wear a fitted face mask at all times (consume takeaway food and beverage offsite or in designated seated areas)
- check-in using the QR codes at the Market and stall entrances
- adhere to physical distancing requirements
If you cannot make it to the Market, you can continue to support our small businesses by shopping online with SMM Direct. Offering same-day delivery for orders placed before 10am on all Market days (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
Further information can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
COVID-19 Update: Sunday 17 October, 2021
A staff member at each of the following South Melbourne Market stalls has tested positive for COVID-19:
Stall: South Melbourne Seafoods, Deli Aisle
Onsite: Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 October
Stall: Georgie’s Harvest, Coventry Street
Onsite: Wednesday 13 October
Stall: Ralph’s Meats, Deli Aisle
Onsite: Wednesday 13 October
We encourage anyone that shopped at these stalls on these days to get tested.
The Market will remain open as usual, however these stalls are currently closed while their team get tested and quarantine.
These stalls and market common areas have deep cleaned as per DHHS requirements.
Further information can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
COVID-19 Update: 27 September 2021
Yesterday, Premier Daniel Andrews announced several restrictions are set to ease at 11:59pm on Tuesday 28 September, which is when the state is expected to reach 80% of first-dose vaccinations.
- Metro Melbourne and regional areas in lockdown will have their travel radius extended from 10km to 15km
- Activities like golf, tennis and basketball can resume at outdoor facilities. Up to five fully vaccinated people from a maximum of two households can take part in these activities, while those unvaccinated or partially vaccinated are capped at two people
- Some rules around personal training has also changed. Up to five fully vaccinated people will be able to meet with one fully vaccinated personal trainer outdoors
We look forward to welcoming back our customers from up to 15km this week!
When shopping at the Market, please ensure you:
- wear a fitted face mask at all times (consume takeaway food and beverage offsite or in outdoor dining parklets)
- check-in using the QR codes at Market and stall entrances
- adhere to physical distancing requirements
If you cannot make it to the Market, you can continue to support our small businesses by shopping online with SMM Direct. Offering same-day delivery for orders placed before 10am on all Market days (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
Further information can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
COVID-19 Update: 16 September 2021
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has today announced some modest easing of restrictions from 11.59pm Friday 17 September.
The changes include:
- The distance you can leave home for shopping for necessary goods and services, exercise and outdoor social interaction will increase from five kilometres to 10 kilometres.
- The time permitted for exercise and outdoor social interaction will increase from two hours a day to four hours.
From Saturday, our outdoor parklets will be reopened but please remember that physical distancing requirements are still in place (1 person per 4sqm)
When shopping at the Market, please ensure you:
- wear a fitted face mask at all times (consume takeaway food and beverage offsite or in outdoor dining parklets)
- check-in using the QR codes at Market and stall entrances
- adhere to physical distancing requirements
If you cannot make it to the Market, you can continue to support our small businesses by shopping online with SMM Direct. Offering same-day delivery for orders placed before 10am on all Market days (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
Further information can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
COVID-19 Update: 16 August 2021
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has today announced a two week extension of the current lockdown, extended until 11.59pm Thursday 2 September.
What does this mean for South Melbourne Market?
- Fresh produce and grocery stalls are deemed essential and will remain open
- Restaurants and cafes can open for takeaway only
- Non-food stalls (including service providers) will be closed
When shopping at the Market, please ensure you:
- wear a fitted face mask at all times
- check-in using the QR codes at Market and stall entrances
- consume takeaway food and beverage offsite
- adhere to physical distancing requirements
If you cannot make it to the Market, you can continue to support our small businesses by shopping online with SMM Direct. Offering same-day delivery for orders placed before 10am on all Market days (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
Further information can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
COVID-19 update: Saturday 14 August
We are pleased to advise that Market stalls that were identified as Tier 1 exposure sites on Saturday 7 August have today been downgraded to Tier 2 by the DHHS. This means that those who visited or worked at these businesses during 1.30pm - 2.20pm on Saturday 7 August are now released from isolation if they have been tested and returned a negative result.
All our fruit and veg stalls, butchers, fishmongers, delis, food and liquor stalls, restaurants and cafes will be open as usual from 8am Sunday. We'd like to thank our wonderful local community for your continued support and look forward to seeing you at the Market. For those beyond 5km, shop online with SMM Direct and we'll deliver to your door, with same-day delivery available for orders placed before 10am.
COVID-19 update: Friday 13 August, 8.45am
Following on from last night’s news that South Melbourne Market has been listed by the DHHS as a Coronavirus Tier 2 exposure site due to a confirmed case visiting the Market between 1:30pm - 2.20pm on Saturday 7 August, the Market has now undergone a thorough clean as required by the DHHS.
We are pleased to share the news that the Department of Health has approved the Market to REOPEN today from 10am.
Please note that some stalls may not be able to reopen today due to limited staff numbers. Those that worked on Saturday 7 August have been tested and are isolating as they await their negative results. We will continue to update this page with stalls that are opening today, and we encourage our community to get down and show your support to our wonderful small businesses.
Stalls opening on Friday 13 August:
- Agathe Patisserie
- Alka Polish Deli
- Claypots Evening Star
- Clement Coffee Roasters
- Emerald Hill Poultry
- Flour Patisserie
- Frank’s Quality Fruit & Veg
- Fritz Gelato
- Gewurzhaus
- Hagen's Organics
- Kirkpatrick’s Butcher
- Lat's Sushi
- Moses & Co Wholefoods
- Nutshoppe
- Pickadeli Food Store
- Pieno di Grazia
- Simply Spanish
- Small Town Pie Co
- South Melbourne Market Organics
- Steve’s Deli
- Swords Select Wine and Beer
- The Little Wine Shop
- Theo’s Deli
We can confirm that nearly all our stalls will be open from 8am, Saturday 14 August.
For those that cannot make it to the Market, you can continue to support our traders by shopping online with SMM Direct, with same-day delivery now available.
COVID-19 update: Thursday 12 August
We have been made aware this evening that South Melbourne Market has been listed by the DHHS as a Coronavirus Tier 2 exposure site due to a confirmed case visiting the Market between 1:30pm - 2.20pm on Saturday 7 August.
Following DHHS health advice for Tier 2 exposure sites, all Market staff and visitors that were at the Market on Saturday 7 August between 1:30pm and 2.20pm will be required to get tested and isolate until a negative result has been received.
The Market is undergoing a thorough clean this evening and is working with the DHHS to ensure we will be able to open as soon as possible.
Several Market stalls have been identified as Tier 1 exposure sites between 1.30pm and 2.20pm on Saturday 7 August, so we are working with them to conduct a deep clean of their stalls. These stalls are: Rita’s Coffee & Nuts, The Fish Shoppe, The Small Town Pie Company, Emerald Hill Nursery, Vangeli’s Deli, Fruits on Coventry and Hagen's Organic Butcher. The staff working on that day and their immediate family members from the same household will need to immediately get tested and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure date. Following health advice we strongly urge anyone who visited these stalls during this time to get tested, quarantine for 14 days from the exposure date and contact the Department of Health on 1300 651 160.
The DHHS have access to QR code check-in information and will be contacting visitors who checked in during this period for contact tracing purposes.
More details can be found at the coronavirus website: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-site
Thank you for your continued support as we work with our contractors, the DHHS and our traders to reopen our Market. We will keep this web page and social channels updated.
COVID-19 Update: 11 August 2021
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has today announced a seven-day extension of the current lockdown, extended until 11.59pm Thursday 19 August.
What does this mean for South Melbourne Market?
- Fresh produce and grocery stalls are deemed essential and will remain open
- Restaurants and cafes can open for takeaway only
- Non-food stalls (including service providers) will be closed
When shopping at the Market, please ensure you:
- wear a fitted face mask at all times
- check-in using the QR codes at Market and stall entrances
- consume takeaway food and beverage offsite
- adhere to physical distancing requirements
If you cannot make it to the Market, you can continue to support our small businesses by shopping online with SMM Direct. We have today announced the introduction of same day delivery - place your order before 10am and we'll deliver to your door before 8pm.
Further information can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
COVID-19 Update: 5 August 2021
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has today announced a seven-day snap lockdown in response to unexpected new mystery cases of COVID-19 in recent days.
The seven-day lockdown will commence at 8pm tonight.
What does this mean for South Melbourne Market?
- Fresh produce and grocery stalls are deemed essential and will remain open
- Restaurants and cafes can open for takeaway only
- Non-food stalls (including service providers) will be closed
When shopping at the Market, please ensure you:
- wear a fitted face mask at all times
- check-in using the QR codes at Market and stall entrances
- consume takeaway food and beverage offsite
- adhere to physical distancing requirements
If you cannot make it to the Market, you can continue to support our small businesses by shopping online with SMM Direct.
Further information can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
COVID-19 Update: 27 July 2021
Premier Daniel Andrews has today announced that the current lockdown will conclude at 11.59pm tonight, but some restrictions will continue to be in place.
What does this mean for South Melbourne Market?
- Masks are required to be worn both inside and outside the Market at all times by anyone aged 12 years and over, unless a medical exemption applies. We ask our visitors to please consume takeaway food and beverages offsite so this rule can be maintained.
- General retail stalls and service providers will be able to reopen from Wednesday 28 July, with a density limit of 1 person for every 4 square metres. We ask our visitors to please observe capacity limit signage at stall entrances.
- Restaurants and cafes will be able to offer seated service, with a density limit of 1 person for every 4 square metres
The 5km travel limit will also be removed, so we look forward to welcoming back visitors from further afield from tomorrow!
For all the details regarding today's announcement, click here to read the Premier's statement.
COVID-19 Update: 21 July 2021
COVID-19 Update: 20 July 2021
What does this mean for South Melbourne Market?
- Fresh produce and grocery stalls are deemed essential and will remain open
- Restaurants and cafes can open for takeaway only
- Non-food stalls (including service providers) will be closed
When shopping at the Market, please ensure you:
- wear a fitted face mask at all times
- check-in using the QR codes at Market and stall entrances
- consume takeaway food and beverage offsite
- adhere to physical distancing requirements
COVID-19 Update: Monday 19 July
We are pleased to announce that the Market has received approval from the DHS to reopen following a thorough clean of premises being conducted today. The Market will reopen for trade on Wednesday 21 July, with restaurants and cafes able to trade from tomorrow.
COVID-19 update: Sunday 18 July
We have been made aware this evening that South Melbourne Market has been listed by the DHS as a Coronavirus Tier 2 exposure site due to a confirmed case visiting the Market between 9:30am - 12pm on Sunday 11 July.
Following DHS health advice for Tier 2 exposure sites, all Market staff and visitors that were at the Market on Sunday 11 July between 9:30am and 12pm will be required to get tested and isolate until a negative result has been received.
The Market will be undergoing a thorough clean tomorrow and is working with the DHS to ensure we will be able to open as per usual this week.
Market stalls, TheSuperCool, Spin and CreatetBt Toys have been identified as Tier 1 exposure sites between 9.30am and 12pm on Sunday 11 July, so we are working with them to conduct a deep clean of their stalls and the staff working on that day will need to immediately get tested and quarantine for 14 days from the exposure date. Following health advice we strongly urge anyone who visited these stalls during this time to get tested, quarantine for 14 days from the exposure date and contact the Department of Health on 1300 651 160.
The DHS have access to QR code check-in information and will be contacting visitors who checked in during this period for contact tracing purposes.
More details can be found at the coronavirus website: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-site
Thank you for your continued support as we work with our contractors, the DHS and our traders to reopen our Market. We will keep this web page and social channels updated.
COVID-19 Update: 15 July 2021
What does this mean for South Melbourne Market?
- Fresh produce and grocery stalls are deemed essential and will remain open
- Restaurants and cafes can open for takeaway only
- Non-food stalls (including service providers) will be closed
When shopping at the Market, please ensure you:
- wear a fitted face mask at all times
- check-in using the QR codes at Market and stall entrances
- consume takeaway food and beverage offsite
- adhere to physical distancing requirements
COVID-19 Update: 17 June 2021
Following on from the Market being identified as an exposure site, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Engagement & Delivery Team will have a pop-up information desk at the Market this Friday, Saturday and Sunday to chat to customers and traders and answer questions about COVID-19 related topics such as exposure sites, contact tracing, getting testing and getting vaccinated.
They will be located in the Centre Aisle near the Coventry Street entrance and will be onsite from 8am to 3pm each day.
COVID-19 Update: 6pm, 16 June 2021
Acting Premier James Merlino also announced today some further easing of restrictions from 11.59pm tomorrow night - Thursday 17 June.
What does this mean for South Melbourne Market?
- Masks are still required to be worn onsite by anyone aged 12 years and over, unless a medical exemption applies. We ask our visitors to please consume takeaway food and beverages offsite so this rule can be maintained.
- General retail stalls maintain a density limit of 1 person per 4sqm. We ask our visitors to please observe capacity limit signage at stall entrances.
- Hairdressing and beauty service providers maintain a density limit of 1 person per 4sqm, however masks can be removed during treatment
- Restaurants and cafes can offer increased capacity for seated service with a maximum of 150 people per venue, with no more than 75 people indoors. The density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies for over 25 patrons.
The 25km travel limit will also be removed and movement between metro Melbourne and regional Victoria unrestricted, so we look forward to welcoming back visitors from further afield from Friday!
COVID-19 Update: 10.40am, 16 June 2021
On the advice of DHHS, the Market is undergoing a thorough clean today and we are pleased to advise that we will reopen this Friday 18 June.
Some Cecil Street restaurants will also be open from this evening and tomorrow. For booking enquiries and opening hours we recommend getting in touch with restaurants directly. Contact details for each can be found on our website.
The only exception to opening this Friday is Padre Coffee who were identified as a Tier 1 exposure site. The Market are working closely with this business and the DHHS on requirements to gain approval for their reopening.
All Market staff, traders, contractors and suppliers that were onsite on Saturday 12 June between 11.30am and 1.30pm have been advised to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.
The DHHS have access to QR code check-in information and will be contacting visitors who checked in during this period for contact tracing purposes. For details regarding COVID-19 exposure sites, testing and health advice, please visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
We would like to thank our wonderful Market community for their understanding, cooperation and support at this time. We hope to see you all back at the Market this weekend and showing your support for our incredible small businesses.
COVID-19 Update: 6.15am, 16 June 2021
We have been made aware overnight that South Melbourne Market has been listed by the DHHS as a Coronavirus Tier 2 exposure site due to a confirmed case visiting the Market between 11:30am - 1:30pm on Saturday 12 June.
The safety of our traders and community is our top priority and for this reason the Market will be closed today (Wednesday 16 June) so we can conduct a thorough deep clean.
Following DHHS health advice for Tier 2 exposure sites, all Market staff and visitors that were at the Market on Saturday between 11:30am and 1:30pm will be required to get tested and isolate until a negative result has been received.
Padre Coffee has been identified as a Tier 1 exposure site between 11.30am - 12.30pm on Saturday 12 June, so we will be working with them to conduct a deep clean and the staff working on that day will need to immediately get tested and quarantine for 14 days. Following health advice we strongly urge anyone who visited Padre Coffee during this time to get tested and quarantine for 14 days.
The DHHS have access to QR code check-in information and will be contacting visitors who checked in during this period for contact tracing purposes. The Market has also notified our community through social media channels and newsletter so they can also get tested if they visited the Market during the times noted above.
More details can be found at the coronavirus website: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-site
We will keep our website and social channels updated with reopening information.
Thank you for your continued support as we work with our contractors, DHHS and our traders to reopen as soon as possible.
COVID-19 Update: 9 June 2021
Acting Premier James Merlino has today announced easing of some restrictions when Melbourne's lockdown ends at 11:59pm Thursday.
What does this mean for South Melbourne Market?
- On Friday 11 June all stalls can reopen under new COVID restrictions:
- General retail (non-food stalls) will reopen with a density limit of 1 person per 4sqm - please observe capacity limit signage at stall entrances.
- Hairdressing and beauty services: will reopen with a density limit of 1 person per 4sqm. Please note masks must be worn for all services.
- Restaurants and cafes: will reopen for seated service (plus takeaway) with a maximum patron cap of 100 people per venue, with only 50 people indoors. Group sizes limited to a maximum of 10 people. A density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm also applies.
- Masks are required to be worn by anyone aged 12 years and over, unless a medical exemption applies.
Travel has now been increased to 25km from home for shopping or exercise.
If you cannot make it to the Market, you can continue to support our small businesses by shopping online with SMM Direct. We are now offering delivery to all of metro Melbourne as well as regional locations including Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Lorne and the Mornington Peninsula.
COVID-19 Update: 2 June 2021
Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino has today announced that the lockdown will remain in place for an additional seven days.
The lockdown will continue until 11:59pm Thursday 10 June
What does this mean for the South Melbourne Market:
- Only food stalls will be permitted to trade. This includes stalls selling fresh produce and groceries.
- Restaurants and cafes are permitted to trade, however serving takeaway only
- Non-food stalls (including service providers) will be closed
- QR codes are displayed on all entrances to the Market. Please do the right thing and check in using your phone when shopping with us.
- Face masks must be worn, unless an exemption applies, for everyone 12 years and over.
Travel has now been increased to 10km from home for shopping or exercise.
For the full list of restrictions, click here.
If you cannot make it to the Market, you can continue to support our small businesses by shopping online with SMM Direct. We are now offering delivery to all of metro Melbourne as well as regional locations including Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Lorne and the Mornington Peninsula.
COVID-19 Update: 27 May 2021
Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino has today announced a seven-day circuit breaker lockdown in response to the growing coronavirus outbreak.
The lockdown will commence at 11.59pm 27 May and run until 11.59pm Thursday 3 June
What does this mean for the South Melbourne Market:
- Only food stalls will be permitted to trade. This includes stalls selling fresh produce and groceries.
- Restaurants and cafes are permitted to trade, however serving takeaway only
- Non-food stalls (including service providers) will be closed
- QR codes are displayed on all entrances to the Market. Please do the right thing and check in using your phone when shopping with us.
- Face masks must be worn, unless an exemption applies, for everyone 12 years and over.
Read the Statement from the Premier released today regarding the Circuit Breaker lockdown.
If you cannot make it to the Market, you can continue to support our small businesses by shopping online with SMM Direct. We are now offering delivery to all of metro Melbourne as well as regional locations including Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Lorne and the Mornington Peninsula.