DOZENS of businesses across the region emerged from hibernation yesterday as the second stage of COVID-19 restrictions were eased across the state.
While fitness studios, gyms and beauticians yesterday reopened their mothballed premises for the first time in 10 weeks, restaurants, wineries, pubs and breweries welcomed more customers under relaxed measures.
Some sports will also be able to kick-off training and competitions if they meet COVID-19 protocols.
Hospitality venues, including hotels, can now have a maximum of 80 people but they will need to be separated up to 20 per room.
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell yesterday welcomed the further lifting of restrictions but conceded they should had been introduced earlier.
“There have been no cases in Mount Gambier for nearly two and a half months. Businesses who practice social distancing and hygiene should had been allowed to open long before now,” Mr Bell said.
He urged regional consumers to support local businesses that have been “doing it tough”.
“Many businesses will operate at reduced capacity and will need to function once the JobKeeper payments are taken away,” Mr Bell said.
While the business sector had been dealt a major blow, he said there appeared to be a rejuvenation across Mount Gambier in recent weeks.
“You can feel a new energy in the main street and across Mount Gambier,” the politician said.
But he warned the community must remain vigilant given the threat of a second wave.
While many businesses reopened yesterday, Mr Bell said grassroots sporting clubs faced significant challenges.
He said some sporting clubs would not be viable even if sporting competitions kicked off given the restrictions on gate numbers and over the bar sales.
HAPPY HOUR FOR HOTEL INDUSTRY
AUSTRALIAN Hotels Association SA general manager Ian Horne described yesterday’s lifting of restrictions as a major step forward.
“It has lifted the weight off the shoulders of the hotel and hospitality sector,” Mr Horne said.
“Businesses have been trying to keep their fires burning through takeaway, which has helped them remain connected with their customers.”
He said the landscape changed dramatically within a week going from just 10 (both inside and out) to now a maximum of 80.
“But this is only a stepping stone in seeing all services within a hotel open, including TAB, Keno and gaming,” the industry leader said.
“Patrons cannot still play eight-ball or darts because they are standing up.”
Under the current restrictions, hotels will only operate at 25pc capacity.
Mr Horne said the industry was pushing for the model – due to be rolled out in Western Australia this weekend – to be mirrored in South Australia as “soon as possible”.
Mr Horne said pubs operating in Western Australia would be allowed to accommodate 100 people per area with one person per two square metres.
“That is really on our wishlist,” he said.
Mr Horne said it was vital hotels remained viable in regional areas given they were entrenched in the social and economic fabric of communities.
Under the restrictions, salad bars, buffets and shared plates will be off the table.
Hotels face a hefty $5000 fine if they breach COVID-19 rules.
HEALTH LEADER URGES CAUTION
LIMESTONE Coast Local Health Network governing board chair Grant King has welcomed the lifting of further restrictions but warned they must be managed to prevent any risk of a second wave of COVID-19 This includes visitor restrictions at hospitals across the Limestone Coast.
Mr King said a significant increase in visitors to regional hospitals had been recorded over some periods with in large groups not adhering to the time restrictions to protect patients, aged care residents and staff.
“We need to remember that those staying in our hospitals are doing so because they are unwell and/ or require treatment, many due to chronic health conditions or other vulnerabilities which we are aware make them more susceptible to contracting COVID-19,” he said.
“While we recognise it can be difficult to have visits cut short, or only one or two visitors being allowed, it is incumbent on all of us to do the right thing by those using and working in our healthcare services.
“For the time being the length of visit remains at 15 minutes only and all visitors must continue to wash their hands before, during and after visits.”
If people have cold or flu symptoms, please seek testing and stay home until well.
“As a community we have worked so hard to tackle COVID-19 and we must continue to move forward together.”
NEW RULES
SOCIAL DISTANCING
• One person per four square metres
• 1.5 metres between people
• Private gatherings of up to 20 people
PUBLIC GATHERINGS
• Maximum of 80 people may gather at a venue.
• Any separate room or area may have a maximum of 20 people.
BUSINESS REOPENED
• Hospitality (seated at a table) at restaurants, cafes, wineries, pubs, breweries, bars
• Cinemas, theatres, galleries and museums
• Beauty, nails, tattoo, non-therapeutic massage
• Driving instruction lessons
• Gyms and indoor fitness (10 participants per class)
• Funerals (50 max room limit)
• Non-contact outdoor sport (competition) (20 maximum participants)
• Non-contact indoor sport and indoor recreation activities (20 max per room; group classes 10 max participants)
• Business responsibilities: COVID-Safe Plan
• Businesses previously directed to close must complete a COVID-Safe Plan before they can reopen. The plan must be completed and made available at your business premises.
