Monday, 25 May 2020
The South Australian Business Chamber has welcomed the State Government’s further easing of Stage 2 COVID-19 restrictions saying they will help more businesses to survive the crisis.
The peak industry body for all businesses commended the State Government for bringing Stage 2 forward even sooner to next Monday 1 June but is calling for the one-person per four square metre rule to be revisited in the coming weeks if good health numbers continue.
Along with the fast tracking of Stage 2, venues will be allowed up to 20 people in each room of a business up to a maximum of 80 people.
The South Australian Business Chamber CEO, Martin Haese, said while these changes would be welcomed by larger pubs and hospitality businesses, particularly in the State’s regions, some smaller businesses would still be still restricted to only 25 per cent capacity with the one person per four square metre rule to remain in place.
“We commend the Premier and the State Government for their handling of this health crisis, which has not only flattened the curve sooner than many were expecting but enabled the opportunity of a phased return back to business,” said Mr Haese.
“We are pleased that the Premier has listened to our calls, and those of other industry groups, to lift the person limit for Stage 2 and bring it forward even sooner, which will get thousands of South Australians back into jobs.
“However, the South Australian Business Chamber, as the independent and local peak industry body, has been advocating to the Premier for the removal of the one person per four square metre rule to be replaced by a 50 per cent capacity limit, which is more workable for the majority of businesses.
“The timing of this is crucial. In the South Australian Business Chamber’s Survey of Business Expectations for the March quarter, 36 per cent of all businesses surveyed cast doubt on whether they could survive another three months of restrictions. When we looked at the accommodation, hospitality, and retail sectors this figure was even higher at 52 per cent.
“That deadline is now fast approaching. Businesses are hanging on for dear life.
“Today’s announcement is very welcomed but having both the one person per four square metre rule and the 1.5 metre social distancing rule means many businesses will be unable to take full advantage of the new patron limits in Stage 2 when it starts on 1 June.”
