The region’s peak business organisation, Business Hunter has welcomed some new direction from the NSW Government today, which outlines the next stages of the NSW Roadmap to Recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2021.
Business Hunter CEO explained that as the State approaches 95 percent double-dose vaccination, the December 15 milestone was naturally going to see the freedoms promised and a few more given the high uptake and many existing rules will be further relaxed, including:
“It’s great that the community has taken the COVID-19 risks seriously and are taking charge of their health by getting vaccinated, and by most reports from our business networks, are managing compliance in places of business and recreation with respect and acceptance of the rules,” Mr Hawes said.
“Naturally, businesses should feel a sense of relief that as we approach 95 percent double dose, the safety of staff and patrons in greatly increased and our economy can start to approach capacity again.
“Feedback we’re receiving after yesterday’s announcement is a bit mixed, but on the balance positive. Business owners and managers are still very mindful that work health and safety matters are still in play, so we may see some premises take a little longer to welcome back patrons who are at a higher risk of contracting and transmitting the virus,” he said.
Business Hunter has been fielding enquiries on two fronts – safety of staff but also safety of patrons who may feel less protected under a more relaxed face to face setting.
“By and large, businesses just want to get on with doing business. It is a small minority of risk, however, on assessment, it may be that the business slows the adoption of relaxed public health orders on balance of that risk assessment.
“We have to be mindful as a community of the changes and be respectful of business choices for the time being, remembering that our economy will only grow and thrive again if we stay open.”