20 March, 8pm TIGHTER RESTRICTIONS INSIDE VENUES
The Prime Minister this afternoon announced tougher restrictions for indoor gatherings to help curb the spread of COVID-19, further tightening the noose on hospitality and the economy.
Addressing the press, Scott Morrison flagged new measures dictating indoor capacity limits of one person per four square metres. The PM gave the example of a room of 100 square metres being allowed 25 people.
It was stressed that good “social distancing” practise of 1-1.5 metres between people should also be employed by everyone.
Today’s new conditions – determined this morning by the National Cabinet – are over and above the decision earlier this week to stop enclosed gatherings of more than 100 people, which still applies.
Even tighter controls are being discussed on a city-by-city basis if and when active containment proves necessary.
And from 9pm tonight, entry to Australia will be restricted to citizens, permanent residents and their direct family members. All people entering the country will still be required to go through a 14-day quarantine period.
The PM suggested the measures to reduce spread would be in place for at least six months, but “Of course, it could be longer. No-one really knows”.
At close of business today the number of cases nationwide is reported at 785, up 75% from 448 on Tuesday. This includes a jump of 75 cases in NSW in the past 24 hours, bringing the state total to 382.
The death toll in Australia stands at seven, with infections expected to reach beyond 1,000 over the weekend.
Generalised school closures are not yet being considered, with government concerned for the number of parents that may be drawn away from healthcare industries.
FINANCIAL RELIEF
Today Anna Bligh, CEO of the Australian Banking Association, announced banks will defer loan repayments for six months to small businesses affected by the virus.
The assistance package will affect more than $100bn of existing small business loans, and the offer will begin rolling out in full this Monday. Banks are already contacting customers and small business owners that have not been contacted should apply to their bank.
There are already calls and lobbying has begun for a broader hospitality bailout package, and easing of trading terms on existing accounts and orders in the coming months.
Comiskey Group principle Robert Comiskey spoke of the devastation already seen, particularly at their ultra-large-format venues the Eatons Hill Hotel and Sandstone Point Hotel.
He anticipates job losses could be “upwards of 200” for the group and has called on the Palaszczuk government to consider a rescue package for hospitality, to offset damage to the industry.
The Comiskey hotels have been particularly affected due to their size, and the forced cancellation or postponement of many events that were scheduled for coming months.
Rockpool similarly reports major impact from diminished patronage, calling on creditors for relief.
The Neil Perry-fronted group says the majority of its venues remain open at this stage, maintaining a strict customer headcount and taking all practical steps to comply with social distancing recommendations.
Other groups and venues are rushing to implement takeaway and delivery services to facilitate people avoiding public spaces and those self-isolating.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
The pandemic is already at more critical stages for many places overseas:
- New York and Los Angeles have ordered all bars closed, and all restaurants to do take-away only
- Spain and France have ordered residents to stay in their homes
Currently cases around the world have surpassed 218,000. While more than 84,000 people have recovered, the potential death toll keeps climbing.
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The AHA WA issued the following recommended standard conditions for venues:
- Total customer numbers to not exceed a level that allows for less than a 1.5m distance between people
- Minimise standing room
- Enhance hygiene and screening for illness amongst food prep staff
- Making hand sanitiser available and visible on premises
- Sanitise seats, tables and accessories after every use
- Regularly clean all common surfaces, such as door handles, bathrooms, etc.
- Carry out repeated and constant general cleaning
- Empty waste bins frequently
- Staff to wear disposable gloves
- Tap and pay preferred to limit the handling of money
- No keep cups or refillable containers
- Staff health declarations
- Recommendation is venues maintain open windows and doors for fresh air flow
