Locked down pubs are preparing to burst open again and details are coming into focus on what operators need to know to prepare their business.
The NSW Government has issued a guide to getting back to business, outlining the coming 3 stages:
- 70% full vaccination target – expected to be reached Monday, 11 October
- 80% full vaccination target – expected to be reached Monday, 25 October, and
- Further easing of restrictions for everyone, whether vaccinated or not – expected for Wednesday, 1 December
There are conditions for hospitality businesses to reopen safely:
- COVID-Safe check-ins and proof of vaccination is required for both staff and customers
- Physical distancing and density limit of 1 person per 4 square metres for indoor areas
- Masks for staff and customers indoors, and for hospitality staff outdoors
NSW Health also stresses employers must ensure staff are informed of the safety plan, including that if they feel unwell they must stay home, get tested and isolate – even if properly vaccinated.
Some operators fear there could be backlash from anti-vaxxers, in the wake of the government mandate around all customers needing to be double-vaccinated. There are reports venues are increasing security in preparation for objections from those unwilling or unable to provide the necessary proof of vaccination.
Venues will be subject to fines for serving patrons without the appropriate documentation.
Meanwhile, Melbourne took the dubious honour this week of becoming the city with the longest lockdown in the world, overtaking Buenos Aires, which has had 245 days of comparable stay-at-home orders since the onslaught of COVID-19.
But experts says the economic and social disruption has been worth it, when compared with outcomes overseas.
Monash University’s School of Public Health Professor James Trauer told The Age he estimates the pandemic response mandates in Australia have saved the lives of around 126k Australians, including over 30k in Victoria alone.
An Australian economist says protecting public health until vaccines were available was “the only sensible policy” and notes countries that did this effectively had far better health and economic outcomes.
It was also noted that had the vaccine rollout been faster “state governments would not have had to make use of blunt public health instruments”.
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What you need to prepare your business for reopening:
Customer proof of vaccination options
Guidance on business rights and compliance
Staff vaccinations and employer requirements
What to do if a COVID-19 case is recorded at your business
