NSW has a cleared path for individuals and businesses to escape lockdowns, with the roadmap for easing restrictions at the 80% double dose target unveiled by Premier Gladys Berejiklian[i].
From the Monday after NSW hits the 80% (aged 16 and over) double dose vaccination target, those who are fully vaccinated will be able to host up to 10 people in their homes, participate in community sport, and access hospitality venues (where drinking while standing up will be allowed indoors). All premises will operate at one person per 4sqm indoors and one person per 2sqm outdoors.
Premier Berejiklian said the 80 per cent roadmap would also remove the limit of fully vaccinated guests for weddings and funerals and remove customer caps for personal services such as hairdressers.
As part of the 80% roadmap, retail stores can operate at one person per 4 sqm, while those who are not fully vaccinated will continue to have access to non-critical retail via click-and-collect.
Meanwhile, personal services such as hairdressers, spa, nail, beauty, waxing, tattoo and massage) can operate with one person per 4 sqm (uncapped), and hospitality venues can operate with one person per 4 sqm inside and one person per 2 sqm outside, with the requirement to be seated while drinking indoors removed. Group bookings will be limited to 20 people. Those who are not fully vaccinated can only access hospitality settings for takeaway.
As part of the plan, there will be further easing of restrictions from 1 December 2021. Retail stores, hairdressers, spas, nail and beauty parlours, waxing, tattoo and massage businesses can operate with one person per 2 sqm.
Gyms and indoor recreation facilities (excluding indoor pools) can operate with one person per 4sqm, capped at 20 people per class. On the 1 December, gyms can run with one person per 2 sqm with no caps on classes.
Major recreation outdoor facilities, including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos, can operate with one person per 4 sqm, capped at 5,000 people (or by an exemption). After 1 December, the caps are removed, and outdoor facilities can operate at one person per 2 sqm.
Entertainment facilities, including cinemas, theatres and music halls, can operate with one person per 4 sqm or 75 per cent fixed seated capacity, whichever is larger. Libraries galleries and museums can operate with one person per 4 sqm (and two sqm after 1 December) while amusement centres and nightclubs will remain closed until 1 December when they can open with one person per 4 sqm.
At work locations, employers must continue to allow employees to work from home if reasonably practicable. Moreover, employers must require employees who are not fully vaccinated to work from home if reasonably possible. After 1 December, working arrangements will be at the employer’s discretion.
In good news, with the summer holidays fast approaching, unrestricted trips between Greater Sydney and Regional NSW will be permitted. Caravan parks and camping grounds can operate, including for those who are not fully vaccinated.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the milestone marked a shift in gear for the State’s economic recovery. “There’s a real sense of optimism returning to our community as our vaccination rates keep climbing, and that’s giving businesses the confidence they need to reopen and for people to start returning to work and getting their lives back on track,” he said.
Construction back on the tools
The latest roadmap announcement was delivered on the same day the NSW Government eased restrictions for the construction industry. This easing included allowing full capacity workforces at unoccupied construction sites with COVID-safe plans.
The week after the Long Weekend in NSW, the cap on outdoor workers at occupied premises will be removed if vaccination requirements are met[ii].
How brokers can help
Cameron Poolman, CEO of OnDeck, is pleased that the latest version of the NSW government’s roadmap gives small businesses a chance to push the reopening button in time for Christmas.
“Many small businesses are still in recovery mode from COVID. But on the plus side, the 2021 festive trading season will offer a much-needed chance to make up for some of the revenue lost this year. But SMEs need to prepare, and this includes securing fast access to cashflow funding to manage the additional costs of the season.”
Cameron continued, “Our Lightning Loans are available for up to $100,000 and are backed by a streamlined application and approval process, which can see brokers deliver unsecured finance to their small business clients in as fast as two hours with only minimal requirements.
“NSW’s roadmap to recovery also provides a valuable opportunity for brokers to maintain – and grow – their revenue by diversifying into small business loans, especially if the home loan market starts to slow down.”
Prepared by OnDeck Capital Australia Pty Ltd ABN 28 603 753 215 (“OnDeck”) for general information purposes only. Content may belong to or have originated from third parties and OnDeck takes no responsibility for the accuracy, validity, reliability or completeness of any information. Information current as at September 2021. You should not rely upon the material or information as a basis for making any business, financial or any other decisions. Loans issued in Australia are subject to the terms of a loan agreement issued by OnDeck. Loans are subject to lender approval. OnDeck® is a Registered Trademark. All rights reserved.
[i] https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-09/Gladys%20Berejiklian%20John%20Barilaro%20Dominic%20Perrottet%20Brad%20Hazzard%20med%20rel%20–%20Roadmap%20to%20recovery%20reveals%20path%20forward%20for%20all%20of%20NSW.pdf
[ii] https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-09/Dominic%20Perrottet%20Stuart%20Ayres%20med%20rel%20-%20Easing%20restrictions%20to%20get%20workers%20back%20on%20the%20tools%20.pdf
