New South Wales has now scrapped all COVID-19 conditions, leaving venues to fend for themselves, faced with greater potential for forced closure versus the wrath of the antivaxxers.
From 15 December all residents of NSW enjoy the same freedoms, not required to show proof of vaccination to enter licensed venues such as pubs and clubs.
Density limits at hospitality venues have been scrapped, as have any limits on home or outdoor public gatherings, and patrons are no longer required to wear masks indoors.
But the State Government has specified that venues are permitted to continue the pandemic restrictions on entry if they choose, and some are retaining the policy of not allowing unvaccinated people inside.
Some of those considering keeping the practises report copping the ire of anti-vax groups.
Wollongong’s Illawarra Hotel was one of four venues in the area forced to close earlier this month, after being identified as a COVID-19 exposure site. The incident is said to have cost the business 25 per cent of its anticipated December revenue.
Owner Ryan Aitchison posted a poll on social media asking patrons to vote on whether or not it should relax restrictions.
Aitchison told the ABC the simple act of posting the poll drew “threatening messages” from irate opponents.
“You are literally trying to please everyone and getting some horrific things said to you,” he related.
It has since been decided the pub will open to unvaccinated patrons, but as the State and country gear up for a fresh outbreak from a new variant, Aitchison is one of those unhappy the NSW Government has left the decision up to businesses.
Other venues say they will be sticking with the COVID protocols, allowing only fully vaccinated patrons, as they simply cannot afford to risk being shut down or for staff to go into isolation.
Other polls have reported an indicative 80 per cent of vaccinated patrons are opposed to opening to everyone, many saying they would feel unsafe with unvaccinated patrons inside and may stop attending the venue.
The basis of the divide in opinion is complex, and stems from deep-rooted psychological pathways.
The American Psychological Association highlights what it calls the “attitude roots” of the anti-vaccination movement, and that these foundations remain stable even in the face of contradictory evidence.
APA’s Attitude Roots focused on the four pillars of: Conspiratorial Beliefs, which positively correlate with a range of “anti-science” attitudes, including antivaccination attitudes; Disgust Sensitivity, which includes trypanophobia – an irrational, extreme fear or aversion to blood or needles; Reactance, being a short-hand way of communicating a nonconformist identity; and Individualistic or Hierarchical Worldviews of accountability and decision-making.
It is no wonder then that what has been a world-changing event is now mired in a divide that will not be bridged easily or anytime soon.
