Over the weekend, the Government updated its economic response to the COVID-19 crisis, announcing what is now a $189 billion consolidated package of fiscal and balance sheet support to assist businesses and individuals.
Additionally, following a meeting of the National Cabinet overnight, which included Prime Minister Scott Morrison and State and Territory leaders, the Prime Minister announced Stage 1 measures for the restriction on social gatherings, effective from midday 23 March 2020, with the following facilities restricted from opening:
- Pubs;
- Registered and licensed clubs, excluding bottle shops attached to these venues (the off-licence component);
- Hotels in their licensed premises and venues, but excluding the accommodation;
- Gyms and indoor sporting venues;
- Cinemas;
- Entertainment venues, casinos and night clubs;
- Restaurants and cafes, which will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery;
- Religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals (in enclosed spaces and other than very small groups, and where the 1 person per 4 square metre rule will apply).
These measures also apply to outdoor spaces associated with the above venues.
Isolated remote community hubs are not included in the abovementioned restrictions.
The Premiers and Chief Ministers agreed to implement, through State and Territory laws, the Stage 1 restrictions on social gatherings, to be reviewed on a monthly basis. The measures will be operationalised in the States and Territories by way of legislative or directional orders.
The key take away was the need for responsible social distancing in order to flatten the curve of the spread of COVID-19. The Prime Minister advised that the public should expect that these measures will remain in place for at least six months, unless the health situation changes and enables the Government to reconsider the arrangements.
In Victoria, school holidays will also be brought forward to Tuesday 24 March 2020, with the re-opening date for schools to be determined on advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer.
What does this mean for your business
If you operate a business mentioned above, you must comply with the Stage 1 measures announced by the Prime Minister. You should take immediate action to implement and communicate with your stakeholders, staff and suppliers in relation to Stage 1 measures.
Businesses not listed above are permitted to continue to operate at the current time. The Government has not put in place lock down measures requiring individuals to remain in their home or all business to close.
Shopping centres and other non-licensed retailers are not closed, and banks, supermarkets, petrol stations, pharmacies, convenience stores, freight and logistics, and home delivery will be among the many businesses that will remain open.
You should ensure that within your business, individuals (including staff and customers) within enclosed spaces adhere to the previously announced physical (social distancing) restrictions, in particular, make sure there is a density of no more than one person per 4sq metres of floor space and where possible, keep 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
Where to from here
Stage 1 measures take effect from midday 23 March 2020 and remain in effect until further notice. Business should be aware that the Government may impose stricter measures under a Stage 2 shut down model.
Further information will be released shortly when the States and Territories make further announcements and operationalise the Stage 1 measures within their jurisdiction.
The National Cabinet is due to meet again on 24 March 2020 where tenancy legislation, amongst other matters, will be discussed.
Depending on the way in which the measures are implemented within the States and Territories, it will be an offence if you do not comply with any directives, and the penalties may include a fine and/or imprisonment.
