The Northern Territory has become the first Australian province to begin easing restrictions, setting a date for pubs to reopen this month.
From an announcement yesterday by Chief Minister Michael Gunner, Stage One easing began today (1 May), focusing on outdoor activities.
Now open again are playgrounds, pools and parks, and outdoor training and gatherings such as weddings and funerals can resume with social distancing measures.
On 15 May Stage Two easing will begin, facilitating “simple and safe” indoor activities – with social distancing, and for two hours or less.
Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will be amongst those resuming trade, although alcohol must be consumed with food, and no gaming facilities will be operating.
Businesses looking to further trade within the guidelines of the eased restrictions will require a ‘COVID-19 management plan’, consisting of a checklist covering the execution of social distancing, hygiene and a cleaning regime.
Australian Venue Co (AVC), which operates three pubs in Darwin, is prepared with its plan, including a dedicated hygiene officer and social distancing marshal. Cleaning protocols will be stepped up and contamination points such as cutlery caddies removed, and staff will have their temperature taken at the start of their shift.
Stage Three of easing, slated to begin 5 June, will finally allow Territorians to attend licensed venues to drink without having to eat, including nightclubs, and partake of TAB and gaming facilities.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is talking of a National Cabinet meeting mid-May, but after the lowest infection count in the country and recording no new cases of COVID-19 in three weeks, Gunner says the Territory is in a unique position to ease into resumption of normal services – while keeping out potential new threats.
“It’s a business before borders plan,” he explained.
“We can do all these things, before everyone else, because our borders are staying shut. Putting the Territory first, means opening the borders will happen last. Dead last.”
