The Federal Government has laid out a three-step plan to reopen the Australian economy as a Covid-safe economy and society. It will be up to the States and Territories to decide when the changes come into effect although, it is the Federal Government’s goal to move through the steps and achieve a Covid-safe society by July this year.

Step One

Restaurants, cafes, retail shops, auctions and open homes have been given the green light to reopen with up to 10 patrons at a time. Cafes and restaurants will have to follow the four-square metres per person rule. Hairdressers and barber shops can also open. Local and regional travel restrictions have been lifted under step one. Hostels and hotels will be open for accommodation. Although businesses are opening, steps one and two require employees to work from home ‘if it works for you and your employer’.

Step one will also see children back in classrooms and in playgrounds in their communities, and universities increasing face-to-face teaching where possible. Some sporting facilities will be made available once again. Indoor gyms will stay closed, but up to 10 people at a time will be able to use community centres, outdoor gyms, playgrounds, and skate parks. Organised sport such as golf and boot camps will be also be allowed under step one.

Step Two

Step two allows for 20 people to gather in circumstances mentioned in step one.

Pools will reopen, with restrictions. Cinemas, galleries, stadiums, and zoos will be allowed to have up to 20 patrons, but pubs, clubs, casinos and night clubs will remain closed. Beauty therapy, massage therapy venues and tattoo parlours will be allowed to reopen with up to 20 clients at a time. 20 people will be allowed to take part in all outdoor sports.

In terms of travel, caravan and camping grounds can fully open. Interstate travel may be considered by each state and territory depending on their individual situations.

Step Three

Step three could see life returning to “normal”, with non-work gatherings of up to 100 people allowed however, the framework states that cafes, restaurants, and food courts must still follow the rule of four-square metres per person indoors.

Pubs, clubs, and possibly gaming venues will be allowed to reopen. By this point in time, most workers will be back in the workplace.

Interstate travel will resume, but the Prime Minister stressed that this will be up to the States and Territories to decide. The Government will also consider cross-Tasman, Pacific Island and international student travel.

NSW Government Update on 22nd May 2020

The NSW Government will allow pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants to have up to 50 customers, subject to a one person per four square metre rule, and with strict social distancing guidelines from 1st June 2020. Conditions associated with this are:

  • All customers must be seated, meaning pubs will have to provide table service
  • No bookings of more than 10 allowed

Conclusion

As Australia begins to reopen in a Covid-safe manner, it is important that businesses understand how each phase effects their way of business. Business owners are encouraged take full advantage of the government subsidies and plan to reopen in a measured manner.

Let Us Help

If your business has a turnover of over $1 million, ABJ Solutions is offering a complimentary 30-minute Zoom meeting to help answer questions and model critical decisions with you. Get in touch with us today so that we can help guide you through this challenging time.