Wednesday, 18 November 2020
Today’s announcement of a State-wide, six-day shutdown has sounded warning bells for South Australian businesses as it grapples to prevent a second wave of COVID-19.
While absolutely necessary to stop the spread of the outbreak, the South Australian Business Chamber has warned the near total shutdown of the State’s entire economy will be devastating.
“Today’s restrictions on South Australians and South Australian business owners are among the swiftest and toughest restrictions seen to date in any Australian State or Territory,” said the South Australian Business Chamber CEO, Martin Haese.
“Today’s six-day circuit breaker will send shock waves through all SA businesses.
“But it is absolutely needed. The South Australian Business Chamber supports this and encourages every single business owner to support these measures.
“The South Australian Business Chamber stands by the SA Government in doing the heavy lifting now before this outbreak runs out of control resulting in potentially longer shutdowns and economic devastation.
“Today’s restrictions will effectively shut down South Australia’s economy for the next six days.
“All businesses and workplaces will be closed with only supermarkets, petrol stations, medical centres, critical infrastructure, public transport, airport and freight services, banks, post offices and childcare for essential workers will be allowed.
“This will hurt. But short-term pain will be better for our economy in the long run if we want any chance to continue the great strides in recovery that was occurring prior to Parafield Gardens outbreak.”
The South Australian Business Chamber welcomes the Government’s Paid Pandemic Leave announced yesterday of $1,500 for eligible workers instructed to self-isolate however, will now be seeking urgent clarification on how this will apply to all South Australians forced to stay at home for the next six days, bar essential workers on the prescribed list of critical services.
The South Australian Business Chamber will also seek clarity from the Government about the proposed phase two 8‑day shut down measures and those businesses that are likely to be impacted.
