Tuesday, 20 July 2021
In a highly unfortunate turn of events, once again, South Australian businesses are left in shambles following the announcement of a seven-day snap lockdown commencing at 6pm tonight.
Many businesses awoke this morning already feeling like they were locked down, unable to open their doors under the previous stage four restrictions.
The South Australian Business Chamber CEO Martin Haese says: “Business owners are shattered. But thankfully, business owners have also been assured that financial support is on the way.”
“The South Australian Business Chamber has been calling for a contingency fund over the last 6 months from the State Government for situations exactly like this to ensure that South Australian businesses are supported in the event of snap lockdowns.”
“Fortunately, the seven day state-wide lockdown is likely to activate Federal Government support, as announced last week. However, we look to the State Government to also provide support.” said Mr Haese.
“Even with Federal and State Government support, businesses are not likely to recover the losses associated with a seven-day lockdown.”
Unfortunately, businesses will continue to bear the brunt of snap lockdowns and restrictions because of this extremely volatile situation.
“However, this is not beyond South Australian businesses. These restrictions will hurt, and businesses will lose money, but we are resilient and will get through this.”
“This rapidly evolving situation provides a small amount of comfort that we have got this early, giving us every reason to believe this lockdown will be over quickly.”
The reality is that we will have to live with restrictions and lockdowns until most of our population is vaccinated. The South Australian Business Chamber calls upon every South Australian to do their part by getting vaccinated when it is their turn to do so.
The South Australian Business Chamber CEO, Martin Haese, met with the Premier at 12 noon today and the South Australian Business Chamber is engaging with State Treasury to discuss the repercussions of this lockdown, calling for immediate financial support measures for those most impacted by today’s decision.
